AFRICOM Airstrikes Target ISIS-Somalia in Golis Mountains, Somalia Neutralizes Over 33 Al-Shabaab Militants

SOMALIA — On April 20, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia militants in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, approximately 90 kilometers southeast of Bossaso in Puntland.

The strikes form part of ongoing efforts to degrade the group’s ability to threaten U.S. interests, forces, and citizens abroad.

One day later, on April 21, Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) announced the success of a planned counter-terrorism operation in the Guulane district of Central Shabeella region.

NISA forces, supported by international partners, neutralized more than 33 Al-Shabaab militants, destroyed an associated tactical vehicle, and disrupted planning centers based on intelligence confirming approximately 90 militants had gathered in the area.

U.S. AFRICOM Airstrikes Targeting ISIS-Somalia

A press release by U.S. Africa Command on April 21 confirmed airstrikes conducted the previous day against ISIS-Somalia positions in the Golis Mountains.

The command stated the action occurred in coordination with Somali authorities and continues sustained degradation of the group’s operational capabilities. Specific details on units and assets were withheld for operational security.

These strikes align with AFRICOM’s documented pattern of periodic operations against ISIS-Somalia hideouts in the same mountainous region.

Somali NISA Counter-Terrorism Operation in Guulane District

NISA’s April 21 press release detailed a multi-phase operation in Guulane, Central Shabeella region, triggered by intelligence on a 90-militant Khawaarijta gathering preparing anti-security acts.

One phase targeted a house used by leaders and militants, killing 15 and dismantling the site used for militia organization and terrorist planning. A follow-on phase addressed additional fighters in the district, resulting in more than 18 killed and destruction of an Abdi-bile vehicle employed for militia logistics.

The Somali Ministry of Information released a parallel English summary confirming the same details. NISA provided public hotlines (199 / 0770747474 / 0620545454) for citizens to report related security information.

Official Statements

• U.S. Africa Command (April 21): “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia on Apr. 20. The airstrikes occurred in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, approximately 90 kilometers southeast of Bossaso, Somalia.”

• National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) (April 21): “Mogadishu, April 21: The forces of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), in collaboration with international partners, carried out planned operations that killed more than 33 criminals and also destroyed an Abdi-bile vehicle and the hideouts used by Khawaarijta in the Guulane district of the Central Shabelle region.”

• Ministry of Information of Somalia (April 21): “Mogadishu, April 21: The army of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), with the help of international friends, conducted a planned operation that killed more than 33 criminals, and also destroyed an Abdi-bile vehicle and centers used by Khawaarijta, in Guulane district of Central Shabeella region.”