US Strikes Alleged IS Targets in Somalia

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FEB 2

Above: Security forces are dispatched to the scene after a bomb and armed attack on a hotel that is close to the Presidential Palace, Somalia, on March 15, 2024. Image copyright: Abukar Mohamed Muhudin/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images

story last updated FEB 3

The Spin

Republican narrative

This operation illustrates Trump's decisive leadership in protecting American interests and sends a clear message to terrorists threatening US security. A high-ranking IS leader that the US military targeted for years has finally been neutralized — something that Biden and his allies would have never been able to achieve.

New York Post

Democratic narrative

These strikes were more symbolic than substantive, designed primarily to promote Trump as a commander-in-chief who has protected the country from the very start of his term rather than to address a serious threat. The Biden administration neutralized a high-ranking IS leader not too long ago — the public should wait and see if the Trump administration confirms its initial assessment.

The New York Times