Feb 1

Feb 1 US airstrikes in Puntland bordering Somalia on ISIS

Introduction

The U.S. military conducted coordinated airstrikes against ISIS targets in Somalia on February 1, 2025, marking the first overseas military operation of Donald Trump’s second presidential term. Here are the key details

Strike Details

Location

Precision strikes targeted ISIS operatives hiding in cave systems within Somalia’s Golis Mountains (northern Puntland region).

The Puntland–Somaliland war is a ongoing war over the provinces of Sool, Sanaag and Cayn of Togdheer regions between the self-declared Republic of Somaliland and the Puntland state of Somalia.

Targets

A senior ISIS attack planner and recruits were eliminated, with the Pentagon confirming “multiple operatives” killed. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the operation degraded ISIS’s ability to “plot and conduct terrorist attacks”.

No civilian casualties were reported. Somali authorities coordinated with U.S. Africa Command during the operation.

Political Context

Trump announced the strikes on Truth Social, claiming:

“Our military targeted this ISIS planner for years, but Biden and his cronies wouldn’t act quickly enough. I did!”.

This criticism contrasts with a 2023 raid under Biden that killed ISIS leader Bilal al-Sudani in Somalia.

Broader ISIS Threat

While ISIS’s Somali faction is smaller than Al-Shabaab, U.S. officials warn of its growing sophistication, including training in drone evasion and kidnapping tactics. Estimates suggest hundreds of ISIS fighters remain active in Somalia’s Cal Miskaat mountains.

Recent U.S. Counterterrorism Activity

Syria/Iraq

Separate operations in late 2024 targeted ISIS leaders, including a September 2024 raid in western Iraq that killed 14 militants.

Somalia

Today’s strikes follow a May 2024 U.S. airstrike that killed three ISIS members.

Conclusion

The Pentagon continues prioritizing disruption of ISIS networks globally while navigating reduced basing access in Africa.

FAF Review

The United States has initiated airstrikes in Puntland, located near Somalia, as part of its ongoing efforts to combat terrorism. Anticipated military actions may also target ISIS and other jihadist groups in the Middle East and parts of Africa, such as Benin. The U.S. remains committed to eradicating terrorism.

Currently, there are 10,000 ISIS members detained in a Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) prison in Syria. There are indications that Turkey may be targeting the SDF, potentially to destabilize the region and inadvertently allow ISIS to regain strength. It is imperative for former President Trump to reevaluate the decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria, as such a move could pose a significant threat to the Middle East and contribute to the resurgence of terrorism.

Furthermore, it is crucial for President Trump and Saudi Arabia to deliver a strong warning to President Erdogan of Turkey regarding these developments.

Antonio Bhardwaj

Dr. Antonio Bhardwaj, aka Amir, is a distinguished polymath whose intellectual pursuits span business, politics, theology, and psychology. As an INTJ personality type, he demonstrates an exceptional cognitive profile, with a Stanford-Binet IQ of 158 and a TalentEQ score in the 99th percentile, both validated through internationally recognized assessments.

With a career spanning several decades, Dr. Bhardwaj has emerged as a preeminent authority in military theory, specializing in cognitive and hybrid warfare—fields that emphasize the psychological and political dimensions of conflict.

His scholarly interests encompass global conspiracy theories, counterterrorism strategies, and in-depth historical analyses of both World Wars, which he skillfully applies to speculative scenarios regarding the potential emergence of World War III.

Employing analytical methodologies grounded in historical precedent and strategic frameworks, Dr. Bhardwaj conducts rigorous evaluations of contemporary military and political landscapes. He currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of Washington.Media, where his incisive commentary elucidates the dynamics of the deep state within the Western bloc.

He is widely recognized as an expert on the historical evolution of the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and contemporary Russia, as well as on the intricacies of Gulf politics. With four decades of reading and writing, Dr. Bhardwaj has refined his expertise across multiple disciplines.

Academically, Dr. Antonio Bhardwaj holds a Doctorate in Theological Studies with a specialization in psychology.

His foundational education in mechanical engineering is complemented by a Master’s degree in International Trade and an Executive MBA. Most recently, he completed a seven-month executive program in artificial intelligence, further enhancing his capacity to integrate emerging technologies into strategic paradigms.

Beyond academia, Dr. Bhardwaj has engaged in political activism, having campaigned for Congressional office. His involvement in global political issues underscores his commitment to advocacy, though he remains cognizant of the operational constraints inherent in political engagement.

Dr. Antonio Bhardwaj’s initiatives, including the نهضة (Nahda) project, draw upon his deep understanding of complex social dynamics to compassionately support vulnerable women and underprivileged children.

Through his work, he fosters awareness of their challenges. He empowers them to rise above adversity, while gently yet firmly dismantling oppressive patriarchal structures and creating spaces of dignity, safety, and hope for all.

On a personal level, Dr. Bhardwaj finds solace in observing butterflies, a practice that deepens his connection to nature. His photographic work captures serene forest landscapes and waterfalls, inviting others to share in his appreciation for the natural world. He cherishes quality time with his pet and reflects on the profound experience of raising his daughter as a dedicated single parent. Dr. Bhardwaj also writes introspective poetry, which he regards as a means of fulfilling personal aspirations.

His familial relationships inform his advocacy, with a focus on fostering environments that promote autonomy and freedom of choice for all. Dr. Bhardwaj’s profound respect for the interconnectedness of life serves as a guiding principle he strives to instill in his daughter, advocating for a holistic and compassionate worldview.

Website