Somalia: Puntland defense forces kill foreign ISIS bomb-maker in operation

BOSASO, Somalia — The counter-terrorism forces of the Puntland state of Somalia have killed a foreign national who was responsible for planting roadside bombs for the Islamic State group in recent months.

Officials said the militant, described as a foreign ISIS explosives expert, was shot dead during an operation in Baalade Valley, after intelligence reports indicated he had planted a landmine nearby. Puntland forces tracked him down and killed him following a brief confrontation, authorities said.

The army officers reported finding U.S. dollars and bomb-making materials in his pockets. While the suspect is believed to have been from Ethiopia, his nationality has not been officially confirmed.

Military officials said the killing was in retaliation for the deaths of several senior officers who had been killed in roadside bombings attributed to ISIS in recent months. They added that most ISIS bomb-makers in the region have now been eliminated, and that security forces have gained a clearer understanding of the group’s tactics.

In a separate operation on Tuesday, Puntland forces also killed two other foreign ISIS members in the same valley. Authorities said ongoing security operations aim to clear the area of remaining militant hideouts in Baalade Valley, a known stronghold for insurgents.

GAROWE ONLINE