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U.S. strikes in Puntland described as helping partner forces shrink ISIS-held areas in the Golis Mountains

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Evidence from credible sources supports the statement as accurate. Learn more in Methodology.

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The described strikes supported Somali partner operations and reduced territory usable by ISIS in the Golis Mountains.

Source summary
AFRICOM commander Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson and Command Senior Enlisted Leader Sgt. Maj. Garric M. Banfield briefed journalists about U.S. priorities in Africa, highlighting counterterrorism cooperation, multinational exercises, and efforts to link security with economic development. They described recent visits to East and West Africa, partnerships with countries including Morocco, Tunisia, Kenya, Nigeria and Somalia, and exercises such as African Lion, Cutlass Express, Justified Accord and Flintlock. They said U.S. strikes and ISR support have helped Somali partners against ISIS, and emphasized maritime domain awareness and investment projects (e.g., Lobito Corridor) as part of a broader strategy to promote stability and attract investment.
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Latest fact check

Multiple credible sources and official U.S. statements confirm that U.S. airstrikes in Puntland in early-to-mid 2025 were conducted in coordination with Somali/Puntland operations against ISIS-Somalia in the Golis Mountains, and Puntland forces captured significant territory there. AFRICOM press releases and reputable reporting (Reuters, Al Jazeera) describe U.S. strikes targeting ISIS leadership safe havens in the Golis Mountains and Puntland officials credit the strikes and a Puntland offensive with shrinking ISIS-held areas. Verdict: True — evidence supports that U.S. strikes supported partner forces in Puntland and contributed to collapsing the area in the Golis Mountains where ISIS operated.

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Timeline

  1. Update · Feb 04, 2026, 02:50 AMTrue
    Multiple credible sources and official U.S. statements confirm that U.S. airstrikes in Puntland in early-to-mid 2025 were conducted in coordination with Somali/Puntland operations against ISIS-Somalia in the Golis Mountains, and Puntland forces captured significant territory there. AFRICOM press releases and reputable reporting (Reuters, Al Jazeera) describe U.S. strikes targeting ISIS leadership safe havens in the Golis Mountains and Puntland officials credit the strikes and a Puntland offensive with shrinking ISIS-held areas. Verdict: True — evidence supports that U.S. strikes supported partner forces in Puntland and contributed to collapsing the area in the Golis Mountains where ISIS operated.
  2. Original article · Feb 03, 2026
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