The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has confirmed a targeted airstrike on May 11 in Togga Miraale, within the Cal Miskaad mountain range in Somalia’s Bari region, striking suspected Da’ish hideouts.

AFRICOM’s precision strike hit Daacish positions approximately 60 km south of Qandala town, a long-established ISIS-affiliated operational zone in northeastern Somalia. The attack was coordinated alongside Puntland Defense Forces (PDF), with logistical support from the UAE.

While AFRICOM has not publicly released casualty figures, Puntland’s Ministry of Security reported at least 10 militants killed, describing them as key operatives of Somalia’s Islamic State branch. The strike reportedly hit Shillin ‘As, a key Da’ish stronghold.

The Cal Miskaad mountains have long served as a strategic hideout for Da’ish fighters, especially after losing ground to Al-Shabaab and Somali government forces.

U.S. and UAE-backed escalations in aerial operations suggest a focused effort to dismantle Da’ish’s leadership and supply routes in hard-to-reach terrains.

AFRICOM reaffirmed its commitment to Somalia’s federal and regional forces, stating: “We will continue to take action to disrupt and degrade terrorist groups that threaten peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.”

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