BOSASO, Somalia – Said Abdullahi Deni, the president of Puntland, says the state will
continue battling with ISIS terrorists regardless of the reaction from partners, who are
expected to report to the ongoing operations against the group.
Already, Deni has positioned himself at the forefront of the intensified military
campaign against ISIS. He temporarily relocated from Cat-owe to Bosaso to coordinate
the operations, multiple sources confirmed to Carowe Online.
In a strategic move to bolster Puntland security, President Deni has taken direct
command of operations aimed at eradicating the ISIS presence in the Bari region,
while confirming that the support from the international partners has been negligible.
“Puntland has decided to fight ISIS, relying solely on its people, We did not sit idle,
waiting for external support. No bullet has come to us from abroad, but we welcome
anyone who supports us,” he said.
The war may take a long time, as our troops are fighting ISIS in vast and rugged terrain
where it is difficult to deliver logistical supplies or evacuate the wounded. Puntland
appreciates some countries for the airstrikes.”
So far, the local security teams have killed over 60 terrorists, destroying several bases
in the process within the Bari region. Several soldiers have also died in the process,
with several others getting wounded.
“In this difficult time, every Somali must support the people of Puntland, who are
engaged in a righteous war to defend the religion and protect the honor of the country
and people,” said Mohamed Abiib, a member of the Somaliland House of
Representatives.
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the president of Somalia, has not openly provided support
to Puntland, only seizing certain occasions to take credit for the ongoing battle against
the IS-Somalia militants, with no logistical or military support to Puntland.
On Friday, Hassan Sheikh reiterated his support for the cabinet’s call to intensify
operations against ISIS in the Calmiskaad mountains, Bari region. He praised
Puntland forces’ achievements and urged the government to accelerate support for
Somali fighters on the frontlines.
However, the Federal Government has faced mounting criticism for failing to fulfill its
responsibilities. Puntland’s Minister of Interior Juxa Farah termed the support as ‘too
little, too late’ while maintaining that there is no tangible support has been provided.
According to him, even the federal government has not acknowledged Puntland’s fight
against the terrorists, adding that the international community is yet to offer support as
well. He said Villa Somalia’s actions were ‘meaningless and unhelpful’.
