Puntland Praises U.S., UAE for ISIS Airstrikes, Plans Next War Phase

GAROWE, Somalia - Puntland state has hailed international partners for the role they played towards the success of the first phase of operations against ISIS militants in the Bari region, where the military managed to kill dozens of terrorists besides destroying their hideouts.

In a statement, Puntland State House commended the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for their role in the activation of airstrikes which have been instrumental in neutralizing the militants whose threat has increased in recent months.

The airstrikes, Puntland said, resulted in the elimination of ISIS militants, some of who are linked to the planning and execution of attacks within the northern state of Somalia, which is considered the most stable of all the regions in the country. N

"The Puntland state expresses its gratitude to the United States and the United Arab Emirates for their participation in the airstrikes conducted as part of the ongoing operation to eliminate ISIS (Daesh) terrorists from the Cal Miskaad mountains in the Bari region," Puntland said.

"The latest airstrike, carried out today, resulted in the elimination of several high-ranking ISIS members," read the statement which comes shortly after multiple airstrikes by the United States.

The state also lauded Kenya and Ethiopia for their preparation in the first phase of operations against ISIS but did not specifically highlight their roles. Kenya and Ethiopia are involved in Somalia’s stabilization mission, particularly in southern regions.

Puntland now says the success will motivate its troops as they prepare for the second phase of the operations. On Saturday, President Donald Trump confirmed multiple airstrikes in the Cal-Miskaad mountains and added that a senior planner was on the radar.

"The operation has now entered its second phase, following significant victories achieved by Puntland forces in the first phase," Puntland said. "The Puntland state remains committed to completely eradicating ISIS militants from the areas where they continue to hide."

ISIS militants have close to 1600 fighters and the group has lately been recruiting fighters from Tanzania, Ethiopia, Yemen, and Morocco, raising concerns about future impact. Puntland said the second phase of operations shall be activated soon.

GAROWE ONLINE