Somalia: Joint U.S.-Somali Operation Targets ISIS in Puntland’s Golis Mountains

Although its usage was not explicitly confirmed, our analysis strongly suggests a high probability of an MQ-9 drone being used based on the mission objectives and geographical context.

SOMALIA - On March 25, 2025, a coordinated military operation was carried out in the Golis Mountains of Puntland’s Bari region, Somalia. A released statement by both AFRICOM and the Somalian government said that U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), in partnership with the Federal Government of Somalia, conducted the operation to target Islamic State (ISIS) militants in the area.

Although its usage was not explicitly confirmed, our analysis strongly suggests a high probability of an MQ-9 Reaper drone being used based on the mission objectives and geographical context

U.S. Airstrikes Target Houthis in Yemen, Somalia: Security Breach and Policy Shift Add Complexity

U.S. Africa Command has now released a statement on the strikes.

Breakdown of the operation: Location and Timing