Foreign Fighters Killed in Foiled ISIS Attack in Somalia's Puntland

BOSASO, Somalia - The Puntland Defence Forces have managed to neutralize over 10 ISIS militants, including 8 foreigners during a morning attack at a main military base in the eastern Bari region on Tuesday morning, in what marks a major milestone in the fight against terrorism within Somalia's northeastern Federal State.

According to videos accessed by Garowe Online, among those killed were foreign fighters of Arab and African origins, following early morning clashes in Dharjaale, Isku Shuban district, Bari region which lies on the Gulf of Aden.

The militants, using explosives-laden vehicles, were eliminated during the fierce fighting, officials said. The government of Puntland had last week issued a strong warning against the terrorists who have been causing mayhem within northern Somalia.

Images from the scene confirm the identities of the attackers, as Puntland intensifies its military campaign against extremist hideouts in Dharjaale and surrounding areas. The operation has received strong support from the local population aiming to end the extremist threat.

Today's foiled attack comes amid ongoing military actions against both ISIS and Al-Shabaab, with Puntland forces preparing for significant offensives aimed at rooting out terrorists from mountainous regions, indicating a continuous and evolving struggle against these groups.

The efforts are part of a broader context where Puntland positions itself as one of Somalia's more stable regions, yet it remains vigilant and active in countering the persistent threat of terrorism within its borders.

For some time, Puntland has been facing terror threats from ISIS militants whose capabilities have increased in recent months according to the report published by the US which documents such abilities. Puntland relies on its troops to fight Al-Shabaab and ISIS without AU troops' support.

The US State Department warned that if the IS Somalia militants are not cautioned, the group might expand territories leading to massive damage within the state. Puntland is considered the safest state of Somalia given the capacity of its forces.

Besides the ISIS militants, the Al-Shabaab has also been trying to influence and foothold into the state but their presence remains minimal. This comes at a time when Somalia is experiencing a myriad of challenges, including the much-anticipated transition of foreign troops.

The mandate of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) is set to expire by the end of this year (today) and will be replaced by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) with minimal forces in the country.

GAROWE ONLINE