Former President Donald Trump has announced that he ordered airstrikes targeting Islamic State leaders in Somalia during a recent interview. Trump revealed the information while speaking with Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host, asserting the United States’ commitment to fighting terrorism. He stated, “We’re taking them out, we’re not letting them back in. We’ve done so much to eliminate ISIS, they were virtually eliminated,” referring to his administration’s efforts against the terrorist group. The airstrikes, which reportedly occurred earlier this month, targeted high-ranking Islamic State officials in the region, marking a significant military action in a country where ISIS has been attempting to establish a foothold amidst ongoing violence and instability. Somali forces have struggled to combat various militant groups, including Al-Shabaab and ISIS’s local affiliate. This military operation comes as Trump seeks to reinforce his foreign policy credentials ahead of the 2024 presidential election and emphasizes the need to maintain pressure against international terrorism. The U.S. military has previously conducted airstrikes in Somalia to assist local forces and to counter threats emanating from the country, which is strategically located in the Horn of Africa. Trump’s comments indicate a potential shift in focus as he highlights ongoing conflicts in regions previously overshadowed by other global issues. The impact of these airstrikes on the ground remains unclear, as Somalia continues to grapple with a myriad of complex security challenges.
Trump Orders Airstrikes Against ISIS Leaders in Somalia
