Somalia: U.S. Airstrikes Target Islamic State Positions in Somalia's Puntland Region

What the report says

Airstrikes overnight in Somalia’s northeastern Puntland region targeted suspected Islamic State positions in Qandala district, according to security sources cited by Shabelle and distributed by AllAfrica. The reported strikes hit areas including Dabablayaal and Hal Baalade, east of Dhaadaar, near positions held by Puntland regional security forces around the Togga Jaceel Sare area.

The article said the attacks were believed to have been carried out by U.S. forces supporting Puntland’s campaign against Islamic State fighters in the Cal Miskaad mountains. Puntland forces have been conducting a prolonged operation in the rugged terrain, which has served as a main hideout for the group’s Somalia branch. There was no immediate confirmation from U.S. Africa Command or Puntland authorities.

Local security information cited in the report suggested militants had gathered in Hal Baalade and Dabablayaal over the previous four weeks, with activity also reported near the Wangable well and the settlements of Goob and Gardaadin. The sources said some fighters had previously operated east of Togga Jaceel, where Islamic State had maintained bases and strategic positions.

The report said the latest strikes come amid ongoing efforts to reduce the group’s presence in Puntland, where Islamic State remains smaller than al-Shabaab but has kept networks in mountainous areas. The number of casualties and the extent of damage were not immediately known. Contextually, the article also noted previous Islamic State activity in the area, including a September drone attack and a separate landmine incident, underscoring the group’s continuing ability to mount attacks despite sustained pressure.