BOSASO, Somalia – In what could be a significant step towards the realization of
stability in Puntland state, local ISIS forces declared a major victory against the IS-
Somalia militants, marking a remarkable milestone in the ongoing offensive against the
group.
For the better part of Tuesday, Puntland Defense Forces engaged in a one-on-one
confrontation with ISIS militants who have been on the run in the Cal-Miskaad
mountains, leading to a heavy exchange of gunfire between the two sides.
The battle around Haraaryo area within Toga-Jaceel left dozens of the ISIS militants
dead, officials said, declaring an important victory for the local troops, who are
working under budgetary constraints with minimal support from the international
community and under a non-committal central government.
“In the past 24 hours, the Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces have killed more than
60 ISIS terrorists. The operation included both airstrikes and ground operations” Gen.
Mohamoud Fadhigo, Spokesman for the Puntland Counter-Terrorism Operation.
The majority of those killed were foreign fighters who had been recruited by the group,
posing a threat to the northern state of Somalia. Puntland transferred injured soldiers
abroad for specialized treatment, officials added.
Transferring the injured soldiers abroad for treatment is part of the state’s
commitment to protecting its people and security forces—it is part of Puntland’s 25-
year struggle to defend its citizens and territories from terrorist groups infiltrating from
outside its borders.
While Puntland stands alone in this fight, it remains unwavering in its mission to
eliminate terrorism and safeguard its people, regional government officials said amid a
strained relationship with the federal government.
Senator Abdirahman Mohamed Farole praised the bravery and resilience of Puntland
forces, fighting without international support, warning that if ISIS is not defeated, they
will gain a strategic advantage threatening regional security and maritime trade.
The veteran politician urged IGAL Islamic nations, and especially Arab countries to
support Puntland in eliminating the terrorist threat. Both the US and United Arab
Emirates have been providing aerial surveillance throughout the military campaign.
Puntland becomes the first state to initiate a full-scale operation against an
international terrorist network ostensibly to protect its citizens, further exposing
security lapses and poor national security policies by the central government which
has conspicuously missed in action.
Recently, President Said Abdullahi Deni said “We shall not stop pursuing the militants
simply because we’re not getting support. This is a war we shall fight until the end for
the safety of the people of Somalia.
Experts believe that the defeat of ISIS would further strengthen the credibility of the
state in pursuing its regional interests, including building of a strong force that can be
used in sophisticated operations both at local and national levels.
