Deep in the Cal-Miskaad Mountains, Puntland Forces Tighten the Noose on ISIS

BOSASO, Somalia - The Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces made significant strides against the ISIS-Somalia militants in the latest crackdown during a major operation conducted on Saturday, deep in the caves of Cal-Miskaad mountains.

According to officials, the military unleashed on the ISIS terrorists within the Bari region, making major gains in the process. The operation is getting into its 10th month, with the local troops getting vital support from the US Africa Command.

The operation, officials said, took place within Buticiso, Dharint, and Barakallah wells along the Baallade River. The forces reportedly seized control of the Dharint and Buticiso wells, which ISIS had been using as bases to launch attacks in the region.

A foreign ISIS fighter was arrested during the operation, and he is due to face interrogation, the military said. Besides the Americans, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) troops are also helping local forces in various frontlines.

The operation also led to the discovery of several bodies believed to belong to fighters killed in the US Africa Command airstrikes in the Cal-Miskaad mountains. The US has conducted several raids against the ISIS militants in Puntland.

Puntland said a small number of ISIS fighters remain in hiding along the Baallade stream but vowed to eliminate them in the coming days. There is growing optimism that by the end of 2025, most ISIS fighters will have been eliminated.

Unfortunately, three Puntland soldiers were killed, and six others were injured during the operation, a statement released by the military indicated. The group’s strength has been significantly reduced over the last 11 months, according to officials.

Interestingly, the federal government of Somalia has not yet dispatched troops to Puntland to help battle ISIS militants. However, regional leader Said Abdullahi Deni said the state will mobilize resources to effectively fight ISIS militants.

GAROWE ONLINE