U.S. AFRICOM Announces Airstrikes Targeting ISIS-Somalia, Somali Armed Forces Report Strike on Al-Shabaab in Mudug Region

SOMALIA — U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced on April 10 that it conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia on April 6-7 in the Golis Mountains, 55-75 km southeast of Bossaso in Puntland.

The operation occurred in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces.

Separately, on April 9 Somali officials announced that the Somali National Armed Forces, supported by international partners, carried out a planned airstrike against Al-Shabaab militants who had gathered near Tawarmooqe, approximately 8 km south of Aad and 45 km north of Harardhere in the Mudug region.

According to the Somali Ministry of Defense, the strike targeted a position where the group was preparing attacks. The Ministry stated the operation killed approximately 70 militants, including senior figures, while between 90 and 95 others were wounded.

It also destroyed 8 military vehicles, including logistics vehicles carrying supplies. The Ministry stated that operations to eliminate terrorist elements remain ongoing.

The two are distinct operations. The AFRICOM strikes targeted ISIS-Somalia in northeastern Somalia. The Somali-led strike targeted Al-Shabaab in central Somalia.

Assessment: The AFRICOM announcement on April 10 provides the most recent public confirmation of U.S. action against ISIS-Somalia. The Somali announcement on April 9 reports higher claimed militant casualties in a separate theater. No independent verification of the Somali casualty figures is available in the provided statements.

Official Statements

• U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), April 10: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia on April 6-7, 2026. The airstrikes occurred in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, between 55km and 75km 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.”

• Somali Ministry of Defense, April 9: “The Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), with the support of international partners, carried out a planned air operation targeting Al-Shabaab militants as they were gathering in the vicinity of Tawarmooqe, approximately 8 km south of Aad and 45 km north of Harardhere, Mudug region. […] The operation killed approximately 70 militants, including senior figures, while between 90 and 95 others were wounded. The operation also destroyed 8 military vehicles, including logistics vehicles carrying military supplies.”