US Forces Capture Islamic State Finance Chief in Northern Somalia
US Forces Capture Islamic State Finance Chief in Northern Somalia
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US Africa Command (AFRICOM) on Saturday confirmed a ground operation targeting the Islamic State-Somalia (ISS) network, Long War Journal reported. Puntland Defense Forces (PDF) announced the capture of Abdiweli Mohamed Yusuf, ISS’s finance emir, near Laag in Puntland’s Iskushuban District. Yusuf, designated by the US Treasury in 2023, managed ISIS-Somalia’s finances and facilitated transfers for the group. He also oversaw finances for the Islamic State’s Al Karrar regional office, which supports ISIS affiliates across Africa and beyond.
This raid marks the first US ground operation in northern Somalia under President Donald Trump, who has increased military actions in the region. The US and UAE have jointly supported PDF offensives, conducting numerous airstrikes against ISS and Al-Shabaab militants.
Yusuf’s capture is a significant blow to ISS leadership, potentially disrupting ISIS’s financial and logistical networks across Africa. The operation follows previous US strikes, including the killing of senior ISIS figures, and signals continued US commitment to combating terrorism in Somalia.
