Somali Offensive Secures Key Areas as U.S. Strikes Target ISIS; Somalia Condemns Iran For Attacks On Arab Countries

EAST AFRICA - According to the Somali Ministry of Defense, Somali National Army forces secured Darasalaam and Mubaarak in Lower Shabelle on March 2. The ministry reported destruction of several Al-Shabaab command positions, weapons depots, and military equipment caches during the operation. Clearance and verification efforts continue to pursue remaining elements.

The Somali Ministry of Defense launched Operation Rolling Thunder on March 1 in Lower Shabelle to target Al-Shabaab strongholds and cut terrorist routes.

Supported by Ugandan African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) troops and international partners, the operation aims to weaken Al-Shabaab’s capacity and secure civilian and agricultural zones.

U.S. Africa Command conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia from February 22 to 26 and on February 28 in the Golis Mountains, approximately 70 kilometers southeast of Bossaso. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated the initial assessment for February 1 strikes indicated multiple operatives killed with no civilian harm.

The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Ethiopia’s memorandum with Somaliland on March 1 as a violation of sovereignty.

Separately, the ministry condemned Iranian attacks on Arab countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain, and Oman, expressing solidarity and supporting their self-defense rights.

East Africa counter-terrorism operations remain at routine tempo with no indicators of elevated threat to U.S. personnel. Partner-led gains could limit terrorist external plotting, but regional diplomatic frictions add monitoring value.

Somali Forces Advance in Lower Shabelle Offensive Against Al-Shabaab, US Airstrikes Target Golis Mountains:

According to the Somali Ministry of Defense, Somali National Army, with Ugandan AUSSOM support, took control of Darasalaam and Mubaarak on March 2. The ministry reported targeted illegal courts, hideouts, and explosive planning sites.

No unusual Somali force movements beyond the offensive. Al-Shabaab retained rural control in south-central regions.

Initial gains disrupt Al-Shabaab logistics in rural south, but lack of casualty data limits effectiveness assessment. (Moderate confidence - Somali MOD statements consistent with ACLED incident patterns.)

U.S. Airstrikes Target ISIS-Somalia in Golis Mountains

U.S. Africa Command executed airstrikes on ISIS-Somalia from February 22 to 26 and February 28, as stated in AFRICOM releases. Strikes occurred in the Golis Mountains, 70 kilometers southeast of Bossaso.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated the initial assessment indicated multiple operatives killed with no civilian harm. AFRICOM continues actions against ISIS-Somalia. Specific units and assets remain unreleased for operational security.

Sustained strikes maintain pressure without U.S. ground commitment, aligning with post-ATMIS strategy. (High confidence - multiple AFRICOM releases.)

Official Statements

• U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, March 2, 2026: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia from Feb. 22-26, and Feb. 28, 2026. The airstrikes occurred in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, approximately 70km 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.”

• ​ Somali Ministry of Defense, March 1, 2026: “Mogadishu - 01, March, 2026:The Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) have launched a new military operation named ‘Operation Rolling Thunder’, currently underway in areas of the Lower Shabelle region. The forces, supported by AUSSOM troops from Uganda and international partners, are conducting operations aimed at dismantling key Al-Shabaab strongholds and cutting off the routes used for their terrorist activities. The objective is to weaken their operational capacity, eliminate remaining elements plotting attacks in those areas, and ensure the security of civilians as well as the protection of vital agricultural and production zones essential to the country. The Ministry of Defence commends the bravery and sacrifice of the National Armed Forces, who, while observing the holy month of Ramadan, remain steadfast in their mission to liberate the country from terrorism. Finally, the Ministry affirms that ‘Operation Rolling Thunder’ will continue until Al-Shabaab terrorist group is fully eradicated as a threat to peace, progress, and state-building in Somalia.