BOSOASO, Somalia – An operation waged by the Puntland Defense Forces left a
Tunisian ISIS fighter and two Somali militants dead, marking a significant step towards
the elimination of the terrorists in the northern state of Somalia.
Puntland is undertaking a spirited fight against violent extremist groups particularly
the ISIS militants who had made remarkable gains in the state based on the report by
the State Department, a move that worried international partners.
According to military sources, the Puntland Defense Forces launched a multi-
directional assault, targeting hideouts of ISIS in the upper parts of Togga Jaceel, within
the Calmiskaad mountain range in the Bari region, Sunday.
Military officials said a Tunisian national was shot dead after he attempted to
surrender but then tried to detonate an explosive device among the troops. The
attempt failed when he was ordered to lift his clothing for inspection, leading to the
shooting.
The assault also left two Somali fighters dead, as the military made significant gains in
Operation, which has widely been termed as the most organized local-led mission
against terror groups in the country.
Meanwhile, Puntland police warned that ISIS militants, defeated in an ongoing military
operation in the Calmiskaad mountains, are trying to infiltrate neighboring countries
and southern Somalia, calling for heightened vigilance.
President Said Abdullahi Deni had assured locals that the Federal state shall win the
war ‘with or without’ the support of partners, in an apparent swipe against President
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The federal government’s input has been insignificant.
Since the war started, Mogadishu has never acknowledged the local-led effort, only
reverting to peripheral commendation without logistical and military support.
Puntland has been mobilizing local resources to facilitate the onslaught.
So far, at least 57 militants mostly foreign fighters have been killed by the local military
with the US Africa Command’s airstrikes leaving over 46 dead. Among those killed
include Ahmed Maeleminine the man who is believed to have been referred by US
President Donald Trump as an ‘ ISIS planner’.
In related operations, two Somali men were apprehended while planting explosives on
a road connecting Turmasaale and Quruc, a supply route for the Puntland Defense
Forces, officials said. The Somali government is yet to support Puntland in the war on
ISIS due to political fall-out.
