U.S. airstrike targets ISIS militants in Puntland, frees hostages, Somali govt says

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Sunday June 2, 2024

Mogadishu (HOL) - Somalia's Deputy Minister of Information, Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Addala, reported that Friday's U.S. airstrike in Puntland killed three ISIS militants and destroyed the group's army camps in Af Cas village, located 80 km southeast of Bosaso town.

Speaking with VOA Somali, the Minister said the airstrike followed an attack carried out a week ago in the Almadow area of the Bari region in Puntland State. He noted that Af Cas was a place where civilians were held hostage by ISIS. Several people were rescued, and there were no civilian casualties in the operation conducted by American forces.

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AFRICOM also confirmed that no civilian casualties occurred, emphasizing that extensive measures were taken to avoid harming non-combatants.

"ISIS has conducted numerous attacks globally, including terrorist attacks in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, all while continuing to plot against U.S. homeland and personnel and interests around the world, as well as regional partners, and others globally," AFRICOM said in a statement. "Somalia remains central to the security environment in East Africa. U.S. Africa Command's forces will continue training, advising, and equipping partner forces to degrade ISIS," the spokesperson added.

The Minister did not specify Puntland's role in the operation. However, he stated that the Federal Government can conduct operations in any part of the country with the help of international allies.

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