US airstrike kills two ISIS militants in Somalia

The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike in northeastern Somalia on February 16, 2025, killing two ISIS militants, marking the second such operation against the group this month. The strike was part of an ongoing effort to degrade the capabilities of ISIS, which has been expanding its presence in Somalia since its formation in 2015. AFRICOM confirmed that no civilians were harmed during the operation. Earlier in February, a separate strike targeted a cave network, resulting in the deaths of fourteen militants. The recent operations were conducted in coordination with the Somali government, and they underline a broader strategy to combat terrorism in the region. Despite the increased U.S. military actions against ISIS, there remains a focus on al-Shabab, which continues to be the predominant terrorist threat in Somalia.