Somalia: U.S. military confirms operation against ISIS militants in Puntland

NAIROBI, Kenya - The US Africa Command has confirmed Friday's operations against the ISIS-Somalia militants, in the latest crackdown, which seeks to eliminate the militants from strategic areas within Puntland state.

The US is a close partner of Somalia in the fight against violent extremism, and in the last six months, the government of the United States has worked closely with authorities in the northern state of Puntland, which launched operations against ISIS militants.

Without giving specific details, the US military said the operation was conducted on Friday, adding that it will continue to work with the government of Somalia in the fight against violent extremist groups.

"AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade ISIS-Somalia's ability to plan and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad," read the message.

While the US said specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security, the regional administration of Puntland had hinted that the operation led to the capture of Abdiweli Mohamed Yusuf alias Walalac.

Yusuf, sources said, is a senior ISIS commander and has been coordinating attacks within the Bari region in Eastern Puntland between controlling foreign recruitment and finances. The regional administration also said it is in pursuit of other militants who are said to have escaped.

"ISIS foreign liaison and finance chief Abdiweli Mohamed Aw Yusuf (Abdiweli Walalac) was captured with two others in Laag, Xumbeys. The operation was carried out by Puntland’s U.S partners supporting Puntland’s Counter-Terrorism Operations," Puntland said.

"The operation is nearing its final phase, with ongoing pursuit of the fleeing ISIS terrorists and their leaders who escaped from the Calmiskaat mountains," added the authorities from the northeastern state of Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE