The United States has not officially reported an airstrike against Islamic State in Somalia since May 6, raising questions about the future of its military campaign against the group, a New America report says.
MOGADISHU (Somali Report) — The United States has not officially announced an airstrike against Islamic State militants in Somalia for six months, raising questions about the future of Washington's military campaign against the group and the extent of pressure being applied to its fighters, according to a new report by the research organisation New America.
David Sterman, a researcher at New America, said the last officially acknowledged US Africa Command (AFRICOM) strike targeting Islamic State-Somalia took place on May 6, 2026, near the Golis Mountains, about 75 kilometres southeast of the port city of Bosaso.
The apparent pause comes after an unprecedented expansion of US air operations in Somalia during President Donald Trump's second administration, with strikes playing a significant role in efforts to weaken both Islamic State and Al-Shabaab.
AFRICOM data show that the US has carried out 28 publicly announced airstrikes against Al-Shabaab in Somalia since May 6, but has reported no strikes against Islamic State during the same period.
However, the report highlighted claims of an unacknowledged US airstrike on September 3 in the Togga Baalade area of the Al-Miskaad Mountains in Puntland, where Islamic State fighters reportedly maintained positions.
The September operation was reported by the investigative outlet Drop Site, citing Puntland security officials who said suspected Islamic State positions had been targeted.
AFRICOM denied carrying out the reported strike and said all US airstrikes in Somalia were announced through its official website.
The discrepancy has raised questions about whether the absence of publicly acknowledged operations reflects an actual suspension of the campaign or the possibility that some military activities are not being disclosed.
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Sterman said the United States conducted 126 airstrikes and other military operations in Somalia in 2025. The number of recorded operations in 2026 has so far reached 93, suggesting a slowdown in the pace of American military activity.
US air operations have been a central component of efforts to dismantle Islamic State's presence in northeastern Somalia, particularly in the mountainous areas of Puntland's Bari region, where the group has established hideouts and training facilities.
Previous assessments by AFRICOM and the United Nations have indicated that American strikes significantly weakened the group's operational capabilities, although there has been no definitive confirmation that Islamic State has been completely defeated in Somalia.
The group has remained active in the country's northeastern mountains, where difficult terrain has complicated efforts by Somali and Puntland security forces to eliminate its remaining fighters.
Sterman cautioned against interpreting the six-month gap in officially announced strikes as evidence that the US campaign against Islamic State has ended.
He noted that the possibility of military operations taking place without public acknowledgement could not be ruled out, making it difficult to establish the full extent of Washington's ongoing activities.
The report also called for greater transparency regarding US military operations in Somalia, including clearer information about the responsibilities of different international forces conducting airstrikes in the country.
The findings come as Somalia continues to rely on international military assistance to combat Islamic State and Al-Shabaab, both of which remain security threats despite years of domestic and foreign military operations.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
