MOGADISH U, Somalia – After weeks of absence in the fight against ISIS militants, the
Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) has called for unity in the battle against the
group, which had started making inroads towards the northern regions.
Ali Hosh, the minister of Interior and Reconciliation, commended the Puntland
Defense Forces for their gains against ISIS militants in the Bari region, where the forces
have been launching an offensive against the group within Al-Miskaad mountains.
He said the people of Somalia should unite in the fight against this criminal group,
which poses a serious threat within the Horn of Africa nation. The ISIS militants have
lost several strategic villages in the last four weeks.
“ISIS is a group that emerged from extremist ideologies originating in other countries.
It is a global threat that has harmed many communities worldwide. Many nations have
managed to defeat them, and this battle will be the final stand where this extremist
group is crushed,” he stated.
Somalia leaders, he added, should put their differences aside and work towards the
elimination of the group, which has significantly caused havoc in Puntland state, one of
the most secure regions in Somalia.
“This group must not be underestimated or ignored. Cooperation, unity, and national
solidarity are essential. We must avoid political disputes and actions that create
divisions among our people. Instead, we should focus on fostering unity to achieve
victory against ISIS,” the minister added.
Although Puntland security forces have continued to pile pressure on the militants,
they have done so with negligible support from the federal government of Somalia,
which should ordinarily be on the frontline towards the cause.
The group continues to make gains with the operation entering the final stages. The
Puntland Counter-Terrorism Command said at least 13 foreign fighters were killed 2/1
hours ago, but their nationality was not immediately revealed.
The United States and the United Arab Emirates have been providing aerial
surveillance throughout the operation, further exposing laxity in the federal
government of Somalia leadership under Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
