US Warplanes Pound Suspected ISIS Hideouts in Somalia’s Al-Miskaad Mountains

GAROWE, Somalia — U.S. warplanes conducted a series of heavy airstrikes late Sunday night targeting suspected Islamic State (ISIS) hideouts in the rugged Al-Miskaad Mountains of Somalia’s Bari region, local sources confirmed Monday.

Residents from nearby villages reported hearing multiple explosions and seeing flashes lighting up the night sky as bombs struck areas long believed to serve as militant command centers and training facilities.

“We heard several loud blasts from the mountains and saw lights in the distance. The strikes lasted for several minutes,” said a local resident speaking to Radio Shabelle from Garowe.

While the full extent of the damage and casualties remains unclear, the attacks are believed to be among the most intense U.S.-led operations in the region this year. Neither U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) nor Puntland authorities have yet issued official statements.

The Al-Miskaad mountain range, which runs along Somalia’s northeastern coastline, has served as a strategic stronghold for ISIS-affiliated militants since they split from the larger Al-Shabaab group nearly a decade ago. Despite their smaller numbers, ISIS fighters in Somalia have continued to launch sporadic attacks on security forces and civilians, particularly in coastal towns such as Qandala and Bosaso.

Over the past ten months, Puntland security forces have been waging a focused counterterrorism campaign to dislodge ISIS elements from the mountains, receiving periodic air and intelligence support from the United States. The latest strikes are believed to be part of that ongoing joint effort aimed at weakening the group’s leadership and disrupting its logistical networks.

A security analyst in Garowe told Radio Shabelle that the operation underscores Washington’s commitment to preventing extremist networks from regrouping in northern Somalia.

“The Al-Miskaad region remains strategically important due to its difficult terrain and proximity to the Gulf of Aden,” the analyst said. “ISIS has used this area as a safe haven to regroup, recruit, and plan attacks. These airstrikes are meant to deny them that capability.”

Although ISIS operations in Somalia are significantly smaller than Al-Shabaab’s insurgency in the south, the group continues to pose a threat to local stability and maritime security. The mountainous terrain of Bari has provided the militants with natural cover, making it difficult for ground forces to fully eliminate their presence.

Local officials have urged caution, warning residents near the mountains to remain vigilant and avoid traveling after dark as security forces assess the aftermath of the strikes.

As of Monday afternoon, investigations were ongoing to verify casualties and assess the impact of the air raids