Garowe (Dawan Africa) – United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed on Saturday that its forces conducted a counter-terrorism operation targeting the ISIS-Somalia network on July 25, in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia.
In an official statement, AFRICOM said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to degrade ISIS-Somalia’s capacity to plan and launch attacks that threaten U.S. interests, international security, and regional stability.
“In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an operation against the ISIS-Somalia terrorist network in Somalia on July 25,” the statement read.
AFRICOM did not name the specific target of the operation. However, Puntland authorities announced on Friday that, with U.S. support, they captured Abdiweli Mohamed Aw Yusuf—also known as Abdiweli Walalac—who they described as the ISIS Somalia finance chief and foreign liaison.
The operation reportedly took place in the mountainous areas of Laag and Xumbeys in Bari region, where ISIS has maintained operational bases and safe havens.
Puntland’s Counter-Terrorism Operations Command said in a statement: “Security forces apprehended Abdiweli Walalac, the ISIS finance chief and foreign fighters coordinator, during a precisely executed joint raid.”
Although Puntland claimed that the United States participated in the operation, there is no photographic evidence or independent verification of the arrest of Abdiweli Walalac, and AFRICOM has not confirmed his detention.
AFRICOM emphasized the importance of its cooperation with the Somali government to ensure long-term stability in the Horn of Africa and pledged to continue operations targeting armed groups operating in Somalia.
