Flash News: US Strikes Terrorist Group in Somalia Marking First Operation of Trump Administration.

On February 1, 2025, U.S. forces launched a series of airstrikes in northern Somalia, targeting members of the Islamic State's (ISIS) affiliate in the region. This operation, announced by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, marks the first major military action in Somalia under the Trump administration's second term. It follows a pattern of increased U.S. military engagement in Africa, especially during Donald Trump’s first presidency, when the U.S. conducted extensive airstrike campaigns aimed at dismantling terrorist groups in the region.
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Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 conducts routine flight operations from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

The strikes took place in the Puntland region, specifically within the Gholis mountain range, a known stronghold for ISIS in Somalia. AFRICOM confirmed that multiple ISIS operatives were killed, though it did not provide specific details about the individuals targeted. In a statement, President Donald Trump referenced the operation, noting that it was aimed at eliminating a senior ISIS planner operating in the area. This targeted action aligns with ongoing U.S. efforts to combat ISIS and other terror groups, such as Al-Shabaab, that have taken root in Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa.

The military assets involved in this operation were not explicitly detailed by AFRICOM, but photos accompanying the announcement indicated that Carrier Air Wing 1, operating from the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), played a key role. The Harry S. Truman, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier based at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, has been operating in the Red Sea and the waters surrounding Yemen and Somalia. This deployment is part of broader U.S. military efforts to combat regional instability, particularly the threat posed by the Houthi movement in Yemen.

The Carrier Air Wing 1 includes several key squadrons, such as Strike Fighter Squadron 11 (VFA-11), flying the F/A-18F; Strike Fighter Squadron 143 (VFA-143) and Strike Fighter Squadron 81 (VFA-81), both flying the F/A-18E; and Electronic Attack Squadron 144 (VAQ-144), operating the EA-18G Growler for electronic warfare. Additionally, Airborne Command and Control Squadron 126 (VAW-126), flying the E-2D Hawkeye, and several other support and attack squadrons from Naval Air Station Oceana and Naval Station Norfolk were involved in the operation, enhancing the Harry S. Truman’s capability to project power in the region.

The U.S. Navy’s regional presence is further bolstered by the USS Gettysburg (CG-64), a guided-missile cruiser, and multiple destroyers, including the USS Stout (DDG-55), USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109), and USS The Sullivans (DDG-68). These vessels are part of Destroyer Squadron 28, based at Naval Station Norfolk, and have been integral to the broader counterterrorism and counter-piracy missions in the region. Additionally, the Ohio-class guided-missile submarine, USS Georgia (SSGN-729), operating in the Middle East, has played a critical role in the naval presence, carrying 154 Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles and special operations forces for precision strikes.

This airstrike highlights the ongoing U.S. commitment to countering ISIS and other terrorist factions in Somalia, a country that has long struggled with instability. The operation in Puntland is a clear signal that the U.S. is willing to intensify its military efforts under the Trump administration to protect American and allied interests in Africa. It also underscores the strategic importance of the Horn of Africa, both in terms of counterterrorism operations and as a key maritime corridor for global trade.

The involvement of the USS Harry S. Truman and its air wing in this operation suggests that U.S. forces are increasingly relying on carrier-based aviation to conduct strikes in support of counterterrorism operations, reflecting the global reach of U.S. military assets.

As the region continues to grapple with the influence of terrorist organizations like ISIS and Al-Shabaab, the U.S. will likely maintain a strong military presence in East Africa, with airstrikes and naval power playing a central role in shaping the security landscape. This operation is also a reminder of the enduring challenges the U.S. faces in countering transnational terrorism, even as other global conflicts, like the war in Ukraine, continue to dominate headlines.

The results of the operation in Puntland serve as another significant chapter in the broader context of U.S. military strategy in Africa, where a mix of airstrikes, special forces operations, and partnerships with local governments remains central to the U.S. approach in the region.