The United States has conducted airstrikes in Somalia, targeting a senior Islamic State attack planner and other militants, resulting in multiple casualties, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday. The strikes were aimed at destroying caves and killing terrorists without harming civilians, according to Trump's statement on Truth Social.

The airstrikes, which were carried out by US forces, targeted the Golis Mountains, with an initial assessment indicating that many militants were killed, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said. Hegseth added that no civilians were harmed in the operation, as reported by Reuters.

The US has been conducting airstrikes in Africa for years, primarily targeting terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda-affiliated militants. These operations are mostly concentrated in Somalia, Libya, and the Sahel region. The latest airstrikes are part of the US's ongoing efforts to counter terrorism in the region.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was briefed on the strike and expressed gratitude to the United States for its continued support in the fight against terrorism. Puntland's Information Minister, Mohamud Aidid Dirir, stated that the US strike hit Islamic State bases in the Cal Miskaad Mountains, part of the Golis range.

According to Dirir, the number of casualties is still unknown as it was dark at the time of the strike, but Puntland's forces on the frontline heard the explosions. The airstrikes have weakened Islamic State's ability to plan and execute attacks against the United States, its allies, and civilians, Hegseth stated.

The operation sends a clear signal that the United States always stands ready to find and eliminate terrorists who threaten the United States and its allies, even as it conducts robust border protection and many other operations under President Trump's leadership, Hegseth added.

The airstrikes in Somalia are a significant development in the global fight against terrorism, and they demonstrate the US's commitment to protecting its interests and allies in the region. As the threat of terrorism continues to evolve, the US and its partners must remain vigilant and proactive in their efforts to counter this threat.

In the broader context, the airstrikes in Somalia highlight the ongoing challenges of counterterrorism efforts in Africa. The region remains a hotbed of terrorist activity, with groups like Al-Shabaab and ISIS continuing to pose a significant threat to regional and global security.

As the US and its allies continue to work together to counter terrorism in Africa, it is essential to prioritize a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of extremism, supports regional security cooperation, and promotes economic development and stability.