'We Will Find You, Kill You': Trump Says He Ordered Airstrikes On 'ISIS Attack Planner' In Somalia

Donald Trump on Saturday announced that he had directed military airstrikes targeting a senior attack planner and others from the Islamic State (IS) group in Somalia.

On his social media account, he wrote, "These killers, who we found hiding in caves, threatened the United States and our Allies."

Trump's post concluded with a stern warning to ISIS and other attackers who pose threat to Americans: "The message to ISIS and all others who would attack Americans is that 'WE WILL FIND YOU, AND WE WILL KILL YOU!'" He did not specify any individuals targeted in the strikes.

Impact of Airstrikes on IS

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that initial assessments indicated multiple operatives were killed without civilian casualties. He remarked that the strikes "further degrade" IS' capacity to plan and execute terrorist attacks, sending a strong message about the US' readiness to eliminate terrorists.

Trump criticised the previous administration, claiming they had long targeted this IS planner but accused Joe Biden "and his cronies" of delaying action. Trump asserted, "I did!" This comment highlights ongoing political tensions regarding counter-terrorism strategies.

IS Presence in Africa

The Somali branch of IS emerged in 2015 when defectors from al-Shabab, Somalia's largest jihadist group affiliated with al-Qaeda, formed it. The group is infamous for extorting locals and conducting small-scale attacks sporadically, as noted by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

In 2023, US forces eliminated IS leader Bilal al-Sudani and ten operatives in northern Somalia under Biden's orders. This operation took place in a remote mountainous cave area. IS gained global attention during the 2010s, especially in Syria and Iraq, but its influence is now mainly confined to parts of Africa.

The recent airstrikes destroyed caves where terrorists were hiding, according to Trump. He emphasised that many terrorists were killed without harming civilians. This operation reflects ongoing efforts to combat terrorism while minimising civilian impact.