In a decisive move to counter the growing threat of terrorism in East Africa, the United States has announced a $10 million reward for information leading to the disruption of the financial network supporting ISIS-Somalia. This initiative, part of the U.S. State Department’s Rewards for Justice program, underscores Washington’s deepening concern over the group’s expanding influence and its ability to fund operations across the region. The reward targets individuals and entities facilitating ISIS-Somalia’s financial transactions, particularly those using mobile money platforms and cryptocurrencies to evade detection.
ISIS-Somalia, founded in 2015 by Abdulqadir Mumin—a former al-Shabaab cleric—has evolved into one of the most active and dangerous ISIS affiliates on the African continent. Operating primarily from the rugged Cal Miskaad mountains in northeastern Somalia’s Puntland region, the group has attracted foreign fighters and built a sophisticated network that extends beyond Somalia’s borders. Its funding sources are diverse and illicit, ranging from tax extortion and ransom kidnappings to arms trafficking, money laundering, and illegal fishing. These activities not only sustain its militant operations but also enable it to exert control over local populations and challenge regional authorities.
Recent military offensives by Puntland forces, supported by the United States and the United Arab Emirates, have dealt significant blows to ISIS-Somalia’s infrastructure. Troops have reclaimed strategic strongholds and uncovered abandoned hideouts containing foreign passports, suggesting the presence of international operatives. Despite these setbacks, the group remains resilient, adapting its tactics and leveraging digital financial tools to maintain its operations. The U.S. government’s reward offer is aimed at encouraging whistleblowers and informants to come forward with actionable intelligence that could cripple the group’s financial lifelines.
Simultaneously, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi has issued a heightened security alert, warning American citizens and foreign nationals of potential extremist plots in Kenya. The advisory urges vigilance in public spaces such as hotels, shopping malls, embassies, and places of worship—locations historically targeted by terrorist groups. The timing of the alert coincides with the anniversaries of major attacks, including the September 11 attacks in the United States and the Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi on September 21, 2013. Additionally, the embassy cited the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel as a possible catalyst for retaliatory actions against U.S. interests and allies in the region.
The embassy’s warning reflects broader concerns about the shifting dynamics of terrorism in East Africa, where groups like ISIS-Somalia and al-Shabaab continue to exploit political instability, porous borders, and economic vulnerabilities. The U.S. government has urged its citizens to avoid crowded areas, monitor local media, and review personal security plans. By combining financial incentives with strategic military support and diplomatic outreach, the United States is signaling a renewed commitment to counterterrorism efforts in a region that remains a critical front in the global fight against extremism.