Somali Offensive Secures Key Areas as U.S. Strikes Target ISIS; Somalia Condemns Iran For Attacks On Arab Countries
The Somali Ministry of Defense launched Operation Rolling Thunder on March 1 in Lower Shabelle to target Al-Shabaab strongholds and cut terrorist routes.
EAST AFRICA — According to the Somali Ministry of Defense, Somali National Army forces secured Darasalaam and Mubaarak in Lower Shabelle on March 2.
The ministry reported destruction of several Al-Shabaab command positions, weapons depots, and military equipment caches during the operation. Clearance and verification efforts continue to pursue remaining elements.
The Somali Ministry of Defense launched Operation Rolling Thunder on March 1 in Lower Shabelle to target Al-Shabaab strongholds and cut terrorist routes.
Supported by Ugandan African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) troops and international partners, the operation aims to weaken Al-Shabaab’s capacity and secure civilian and agricultural zones.
U.S. Africa Command conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia from February 22 to 26 and on February 28 in the Golis Mountains, approximately 70 kilometers southeast of Bossaso. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated the initial assessment for February 1 strikes indicated multiple operatives killed with no civilian harm.
The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Ethiopia’s memorandum with Somaliland on March 1 as a violation of sovereignty.
Separately, the ministry condemned Iranian attacks on Arab countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain, and Oman, expressing solidarity and supporting their self-defense rights.
East Africa counter-terrorism operations remain at routine tempo with no indicators of elevated threat to U.S. personnel. Partner-led gains could limit terrorist external plotting, but regional diplomatic frictions add monitoring value.
Somali Forces Advance in Lower Shabelle Offensive Against Al-Shabaab, US Airstrikes Target Golis Mountains:
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