Kenya's President William Ruto and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Photo/Handout
By Newsflash Team
Washington, D.C./Nairobi/Mogadishu, March 26, 2025 – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held discussions with Kenyan President William Ruto on regional security, with a particular focus on Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
This comes as the US military confirmed new airstrikes in Somalia, targeting ISIS militants in the country’s northeastern region.
US-Kenya talks on regional stability
According to US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Rubio expressed gratitude for Kenya’s leadership in promoting stability across East Africa.
The conversation included discussions on the ongoing conflict in Somalia, where al-Shabaab and ISIS-affiliated groups continue to pose threats, as well as South Sudan’s escalating tensions. The two leaders also addressed the worsening humanitarian and security crises in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Sudan.
Kenya has long played a pivotal role in regional peacekeeping efforts, hosting mediation talks for South Sudan and deploying forces under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
Read more: Ruto, Rubio push for peace in Eastern DRC
Additionally, Kenyan troops have been active in counterterrorism operations against al-Shabaab in Somalia, making the country a key US ally in the fight against extremist groups in the Horn of Africa.
During the call, Secretary Rubio reaffirmed the US commitment to working with Kenya and other regional partners to end conflicts and restore stability in these troubled areas.
US airstrikes target ISIS fighters in Somalia
As the diplomatic efforts continue, the U.S. military has intensified its counterterrorism operations in Somalia.
The White House confirmed on Wednesday that American forces conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS militants hiding in a cave complex.
“Our brave warfighters executed counterterrorism airstrikes, killing dozens of ISIS jihadis hiding in a cave complex in Somalia,” the White House stated, underscoring the US’s ongoing mission to eradicate terrorist threats in the region.
Local Somali media reported that the airstrikes took place in the Miiraale area, located in the Calmiskaad Mountains near Bosaso, a northeastern town in Puntland’s Bari region.
Read more:Ruto, Rubio push for peace in Eastern DRC
Puntland State administration officials confirmed the strikes, stating that the airstrikes had successfully eliminated multiple ISIS fighters who had been using the mountainous terrain as a hideout.
Eyewitnesses in the area described hearing large explosions late Tuesday night, followed by a series of smaller detonations, which they believe were secondary explosions caused by the destruction of militant weapon caches. While official casualty figures remain unconfirmed, initial reports suggest that a significant number of ISIS members were killed in the strikes.
The broader security situation in Somalia
The US has been conducting counterterrorism airstrikes in Somalia for years, primarily targeting al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda affiliate, and ISIS-linked militants.
While al-Shabaab remains the dominant militant group in Somalia, ISIS has been attempting to expand its foothold, particularly in Puntland, where it has maintained a presence despite continuous counterterrorism efforts by Somali forces and their international allies.
These recent airstrikes mark a renewed effort by the US military to degrade ISIS’s operational capacity in Somalia. The Biden and Trump administrations have both emphasized that American counterterrorism operations in Africa remain a critical component of US national security policy.
Puntland, a semi-autonomous region of Somalia, has been a hotspot for terrorist activity in recent years. The rugged terrain of the Calmiskaad Mountains provides natural cover for militants, allowing them to evade detection and launch attacks on government forces and civilians. Somali authorities have repeatedly called for increased military assistance from international partners to eliminate these threats.
Regional implications and Kenya’s role
Kenya, as a frontline state in the fight against terrorism, has frequently suffered cross-border attacks from al-Shabaab, particularly in its northeastern regions. The Kenyan government has remained steadfast in its commitment to counterterrorism, cooperating closely with the U.S. and other allies to enhance security measures.
Read more: How Trump’s ‘America first’ policies are hurting Ruto’s plans
The discussions between Rubio and President Ruto come at a critical time when the region is facing multiple security challenges. Beyond Somalia, South Sudan’s recent flare-up in violence, Sudan’s ongoing civil strife, and instability in the eastern DRC all demand urgent diplomatic interventions.
As a key regional player, Kenya is expected to continue its efforts in brokering peace, with international support. The UShas pledged continued backing for Kenya’s initiatives, emphasizing that a stable East Africa is in the best interest of both regional and global security.
