In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia on March 16 and 18, 2026.The airstrikes occurred in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, approximately 45 km and 65 km southeast of Bossaso.AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade ISIS-Somalia’s ability to threaten the U.S. Homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad.Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.

Wednesday March 18, 2026 Mogadishu (HOL) — U.S. Africa Command said Tuesday it carried out an airstrike targeting Islamic State militants in Somalia’s northeastern Puntland region. In a statement, AFRICOM said the strike took place March 16, 2026, in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, about 45 kilometers (28 miles) southeast of Bosaso. “AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade ISIS-Somalia’s ability to threaten the U.S. homeland, our forces and our citizens abroad,” the statement said. The U.S. military did not disclose casualty figures or provide details on the extent of the damage caused by the strike. It also did not specify the units or assets involved, citing operational security. U.S. forces have been supporting Somali federal authorities and Puntland security units in operations against ISIS fighters entrenched in the Cal Miskaat mountain range. Puntland officials say their forces have made significant gains in recent months as part of an intensified campaign to dismantle the group’s bases in the rugged terrain. ISIS in Somalia, though smaller than al-Shabab, has established cells in parts of Puntland and has claimed responsibility for assassinations and bombings. The group’s mountainous strongholds have posed logistical challenges for regional forces attempting to uproot it.

MOGADISHU – U.S. forces carried out an airstrike against ISIS‑Somalia militants on March 16 in the rugged Golis Mountains, about 45 kilometers southeast of Bosaso, local officials confirmed to Arlaadi Media. The strike is part of a broader effort by the U.S. and Somali forces to push back against extremist groups that continue to destabilize parts of the Horn of Africa. In a statement, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) said the operation was conducted in close coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia. “These strikes are designed to degrade ISIS‑Somalia’s ability to threaten the U.S. homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad,” the command said. “Specific details on the units and equipment involved were not released to protect ongoing operations”. The Golis Mountains have long been a stronghold for ISIS‑linked fighters, who take advantage of the remote, rugged terrain to regroup and plan attacks. Analysts say these areas remain difficult for Somali and international forces to secure fully. This month, the U.S. has increased its military operations in Somalia. The March 16 strike was one of four U.S. airstrikes in the country this month — two against ISIS‑Somalia and two against the al‑Shabaab insurgent group, which remains a persistent threat across southern and central Somalia. The uptick in air operations comes as the U.S. also juggles military engagements in the Middle East, where tensions with Iran and ongoing counter-ISIS operations in Syria continue to demand attention. Despite the complexity, U.S. officials say maintaining pressure on extremist groups in Somalia is crucial to regional stability and global security. For Somali civilians living near conflict zones, the airstrikes are a stark reminder of the ongoing insecurity. Local authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant but also welcomed the international support in combating extremist groups that threaten daily life and the country’s fragile governance.

Home / News Somalia 18 March, 2026 In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia on March 16, 2026. The United States military says it has carried out an airstrike against Islamic State militants in northern Somalia, in coordination with the Somali government.US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said the strike took place on 16 March in the Golis Mountains, about 45km (28 miles) south-east of the port city of Bossaso.In a statement, AFRICOM said the operation targeted fighters linked to the Islamic State group’s Somalia affiliate, often referred to as ISIS-Somalia.The strike was conducted in partnership with the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali armed forces, the statement added.AFRICOM said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to weaken the group’s ability to carry out attacks.“The command, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade ISIS-Somalia’s ability to threaten the US homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad,” the statement said.No further details were provided about the specific units or assets involved, with officials citing operational security.It is not yet clear whether there were any casualties resulting from the strike. Explore more on these topicsRelated Posts

#US Forces conduct strike targeting ISIS-Somalia In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (#AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting #ISIS-#Somalia on March 16, 2026. The airstrike occurred in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, approximately 45 km southeast of #Bossaso. AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade ISIS-Somalia’s ability to threaten the U.S. Homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad. Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security. (Source: AFRICOM)

#US said it conducted an airstrike against ISIS in #Puntland, Somalia, according to U.S. AFRICOM. The strike occurred in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, approximately 45 km southeast of Bosaso, with no details provided on casualties.

Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine AFRICOM conducts airstrike against ISIS in Puntland State, marking a significant development in ongoing efforts to combat militant groups operating in northern Somalia. The strike, confirmed by United States Africa Command, targeted ISIS-linked fighters believed to be active in remote areas of Puntland, a semi-autonomous region known for its strategic importance and complex security challenges. According to official statements, the operation was carried out in coordination with Somali authorities and aimed at disrupting the operational capacity of ISIS in Puntland. AFRICOM noted that the strike was based on intelligence assessments and was designed to minimize civilian harm, a standard protocol in US-led counterterror operations. Details regarding casualties or the specific location of the strike have not been fully disclosed. The presence of ISIS in Puntland has been a growing concern in recent years, although the group remains smaller compared to Al-Shabab, which continues to dominate the militant landscape in southern and central Somalia. Experts say ISIS militants in Puntland have focused on establishing footholds in mountainous terrain, particularly in the Bari region, where geography provides natural cover and complicates military operations. AFRICOM conducts airstrike against ISIS in Puntland State as part of a broader Somalia counterterror operations strategy that includes air support, intelligence sharing, and training for local forces. Puntland security forces have been actively engaged in combating extremist elements, often conducting ground offensives in coordination with federal and international partners. Security analysts emphasize that targeted airstrikes can play a crucial role in weakening militant networks, particularly when combined with sustained ground operations. However, they also caution that long-term stability depends on addressing underlying issues such as governance, economic opportunity, and community engagement. The Somali federal government has consistently supported international efforts to counter extremist groups, viewing partnerships with entities like AFRICOM as essential to maintaining pressure on militants. While Puntland operates with a degree of autonomy, its security forces are an integral part of the broader national effort to stabilize the country. AFRICOM conducts airstrike against ISIS in Puntland State at a time when regional and global attention remains focused on preventing the expansion of extremist networks across the Horn of Africa. The strike underscores the continued presence of ISIS elements in Somalia and the ongoing need for coordinated responses. For local communities, the impact of such operations is often mixed, with hopes for improved security balanced against concerns about displacement and disruption. Community leaders have called for transparent communication and greater investment in local development to complement military action. As Somalia continues its long path toward stability, operations like this highlight both the progress made and the challenges that remain in confronting militant threats and securing lasting peace.

BOSASO — The United States military said it carried out an air strike targeting Islamic State fighters in northeastern Somalia’s Puntland region, in coordination with the federal government. US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said in a statement the strike took place on March 16 in the Calmiskaad mountains in Bari region, about 45 kilometres southeast of the port city of Bosaso. The operation targeted militants linked to the Islamic State group, which established a foothold in the mountainous area in 2015 and has since operated from hideouts there. “AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia, continues to take action to degrade ISIS capabilities that threaten security and US interests in the Horn of Africa,” the command said. The strike forms part of ongoing efforts to weaken the group’s operational capacity, officials added. No details were provided بشأن the specific units or assets used in the operation, citing security concerns. It remains unclear whether there were any casualties resulting from the strike. Puntland authorities have been engaged in a sustained military campaign against Islamic State fighters since late 2024, reclaiming much of the territory previously held by the group in the Calmiskaad mountains.

🚨🚨 FLAGGED: AFRICOM confirms three U.S. airstrikes in Somalia over four days, two different targets, two different regions. Strike 1 & 2, ISIS-Somalia March 16 and 18. Golis Mountains, approximately 45 km and 65 km southeast of Bossaso in northeast Somalia. Coordinated with the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces. Strike 3, al-Shabaab March 19. Approximately 80 km northeast of Jamaame in southern Somalia. Same coordination framework, different enemy. No units or assets disclosed. AFRICOM citing operational security on both.

🚨🚨 FLAGGED: AFRICOM confirms three U.S. airstrikes in Somalia over four days, two different targets, two different regions. Strike 1 & 2, ISIS-Somalia March 16 and 18. Golis Mountains, approximately 45 km and 65 km southeast of Bossaso in northeast Somalia. Coordinated with the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces. Strike 3, al-Shabaab March 19. Approximately 80 km northeast of Jamaame in southern Somalia. Same coordination framework, different enemy. No units or assets disclosed. AFRICOM citing operational security on both.