By Sayyid Omar

The Somali government has confirmed that the United States conducted airstrikes in the Calmiskaad Mountains, located in the Bari region, targeting ISIS militants.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Information, the airstrikes took place on the nights of February 21 and 22, 2025, killing three ISIS members. The Somali government emphasized that no civilians were harmed during the operations.

“The successful airstrikes, carried out by U.S. forces in coordination with Somalia’s National Security Agencies, supported the heroic efforts of Puntland’s security forces in eliminating ISIS remnants,” the statement read.

Puntland authorities had previously reported that U.S. forces launched airstrikes in the region on February 21, targeting key ISIS strongholds. A statement from Puntland’s media outlets confirmed that the strikes hit critical ISIS bases where high-profile members were stationed.

A statement issued by media outlets affiliated with Puntland stated, “The airstrikes targeted key bases belonging to the terrorist group ISIS, where several of its members were present.”

Additionally, the attack was a precision strike aimed at ISIS members, according to the Puntland Counter-Terrorism Operation.

“At approximately 9:00 PM, Puntland’s allies, the United States, conducted precision airstrikes in the Calmiskaad mountains, directly hitting ISIS operatives,” read a Puntland security report.

The U.S. government has not yet released an official statement regarding the recent strikes. However, Washington has been actively supporting Puntland’s campaign against ISIS. Earlier this month, a U.S. airstrike in the same region reportedly eliminated a senior foreign ISIS operative involved in critical operations. Puntland has been engaged in intense battles against ISIS, particularly in the mountainous Calmiskaad region. Since December, Puntland security forces have launched multiple offensives, claiming significant victories against the group.