Islamic State Foreign Fighters Surrender in Somalia's Puntland Amid Offensive 

GAROWE, Somalia — Information Minister Mahmoud Aided Dirir of Somalia's Puntland State disclosed that foreign fighters associated with the Islamic State group have turned themselves and surrendered to local forces amid a major counterterrorism operation in the Bari region.

Dirir announced that plans are in motion to send these foreign fighters back to their countries of origin, with assistance from international bodies such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Red Crescent. Details regarding the number of fighters, their origins, and the timeline for their repatriation were not specified.

However, specifics such as the count of fighters, their nationalities, or the schedule for their return have not been revealed. Last month, at least 8 ISIS foreign militants from Yemen, Tunisia, Tanzania, Algeria, and other countries were killed in a foiled attack on a military base in the Dharjaale area within Puntland's Bari region.

"The ISIS foreigners have surrendered to Puntland forces, and we are coordinating their return home with the assistance of the IOM and the Red Crescent," Dirir added.

He underscored that legal proceedings would treat all individuals equally, irrespective of their nationality, should they be involved in any criminal acts. ISIS branch was established in Puntland by ex-Al-Shabaab leader, Abdulkadir Mumin in late 2015. The group competes against Al-Shabaab over dominance in the region and for extortion from Bosaso businesses. 

On the other hand, Puntland's information minister quashed speculation that these foreign fighters would be barred from President Said Abdullahi Deni's amnesty initiative, affirming that the amnesty extends to them as well.

GAROWE ONLINE