Puntland Reports Success in Fight Against ISIS-Somalia, but Clashes Continue

BOSASO, Somalia - Puntland has intensified operations against the ISIS-Somalia fighters, getting critical support from the US Africa Command, which has been instrumental in the fight against the group, which is predominantly in the Bari region.

According to sources, there have been relentless airstrikes targeting the militants this week, with multiple casualties reported. The US Africa Command has been offering aerial support for the last several months.

Local media reports that the strikes destroyed caves in Baallade valley on Friday. Puntland forces reported the areas hit to assess the damage inflicted on the militants. The militants have incurred huge losses as forces retake several strategic towns.

Fighting in the Humbulo area earlier this week claimed the lives of at least seven militants and three local government soldiers, reports indicate. Since December 2024, the operation has been active, with dozens of militants killed by security teams.

On Saturday, Said Abdullahi Deni, the regional leader of Puntland, declared success in anti–Islamic State operations, claiming that all IS-Somalia capabilities have been destroyed after 11 months of security operations in Cal-Miskaat highlands.

According to him, the IS militants were eliminated, except for a small number of fugitives hiding in the Baallade Valley. He expressed hope that the campaign against the remaining elements will be concluded in the coming days.

Addressing the regional parliament session on Saturday, Said Deni claimed the militants had numbered over 2,000 — most of them foreign jihadists. He thanked the United States, the UAE, Ethiopia, and Kenya for supporting the operations.

Despite the statement, local sources say the militants are still entrenched in the area and have resorted to guerrilla tactics and are constantly moving between caves and valleys. Deni urged locals to participate actively in the elimination of the militants.

GAROWE ONLINE