Washington, D.C. – February 1, 2025
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has praised recent U.S. airstrikes in Somalia, asserting that they successfully eliminated ISIS militants without causing civilian casualties. His remarks come amid increasing international scrutiny over U.S. military operations in Africa.
Trump made the statement during a conservative gathering in Florida, where he commended the precision of the strikes. “These operations wiped out dangerous terrorists without harming innocent people,” he said. The airstrikes, reportedly conducted by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), targeted ISIS-affiliated fighters in remote areas of Somalia.
According to AFRICOM, the strikes were carried out using advanced surveillance and precision-guided munitions to minimize collateral damage. “We take every possible precaution to prevent harm to civilians while dismantling terrorist networks,” a spokesperson for the command stated.
The Somali government has also confirmed the operation, stating that the strikes were coordinated with local intelligence to target high-ranking ISIS operatives. However, independent verification remains difficult due to limited access to the affected regions.
Human rights organizations have expressed concerns over the long-term impact of airstrikes in Somalia, warning that civilian casualties, even if unintentional, could fuel further radicalization. “History has shown that such military actions can have unintended consequences,” said a spokesperson for Amnesty International.
The U.S. has been conducting airstrikes in Somalia for years as part of its broader counterterrorism strategy in the region. While the Biden administration scaled back such operations, recent developments suggest a renewed focus on targeting extremist groups in Africa.
Trump, who remains a vocal critic of current U.S. foreign policy, used the occasion to highlight his administration’s approach to counterterrorism, claiming that his strategies were more effective in neutralizing threats without unnecessary escalation.
With global security concerns rising, the debate over the effectiveness and ethics of U.S. airstrikes in Somalia is likely to continue.
