Puntland, Somalia – Suspected U.S airstrikes targeted militants believed to be affiliated with an ISIS affiliate group in a remote village in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland, Somalia, security officials and residents reported on Friday.
The strikes, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, are said to have targeted two military bases suspected of housing members of the ISIS-linked group in Afad and Shebaab villages in Qandala town.
Witnesses in the area reported hearing explosions and seeing plumes of smoke rising from the targeted sites.
Details regarding casualties or the extent of damage caused by the strike are still unclear.
The Puntland authorities have yet to officially comment on the incident.
The village, located in a remote area of Puntland, has been known as a hotspot for militant activity.
The local ISIS affiliate group, which has been active in the region, has carried out several attacks against government forces and civilians in recent years.
This airstrike, the second in this month is seen as part of the broader efforts by Somali and international forces to combat the growing threat posed by Islamist militant groups in the region.
Somalia has been battling various insurgent groups, including al Shabaab and ISIS affiliates, for years.
The United States military has previously conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS militants in Somalia, in coordination with the Somali government. However, it is unclear at this time whether U.S. forces were involved in this particular operation.
© All East Africa
