Somalia: Puntland Forces Advance in Final Push Against ISIS in Cal-Miskaad Mountains  

BOSASO, Somalia - The Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces made significant gains in recent weeks as the war against ISIS militants drew to a close, further showcasing the resilience and commitment of the military to regain huge swathes of the Calmiskaad mountains.

In the Cal-Miskaad mountains, the ISIS militants have faced rough moments following the launch of Operation Lightning, which has left many fighters dead, some captured, and others scampered for their safety after intensive fighting.

According to senior security officers, Puntland Defense Forces have advanced into new areas within the Cal-Miskaad mountains in the Bari region to pursue ISIS militants. At the moment, they are preparing the final assault against the group.

Military teams said the 1st Battalion of Puntland Defense Forces is carrying out coordinated offensives across multiple fronts in the Cal-Miskaad mountains, targeting caves believed to be final hideouts of the ISIS fighters who had fled from front caves.

Planned operations have been conducted in Dhaban-qooxle, Cas-caso, Ceelka Dul, Darayle, and Ceelka Gambarre, all located along the Baallade valley, the statement said, noting the intensity of the impending assault.

These operations aim to disrupt ISIS fighters’ movements and dismantle their foothold in the Bari region, northeast of Somalia, officials further said in the statement released on Monday.

Elsewhere, a no-confidence motion against Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has rapidly gained traction, with an increasing number of lawmakers signing on to support the effort, sources said.

Over 110 Parliamentarians backing the motion accuse the prime minister of failing in key areas, including national security, finalization of the draft constitution, federalism, the electoral process, and the fight against the Al-Qaeda-affiliated militant group Al-Shabaab.

The Federal Government of Somalia has been accused of failing to effectively come up with a strategy to fight both ISIS militants and the Al-Shabaab fighters who have caused havoc in the country. There are calls by people piling on the pressure to the government to make security a top priority.

GAROWE ONLINE