Deni: We will not sit idle and wait for external support in the ISIS battle

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 Garowe to Bosaso to coordinate the operations, multiple sources confirmed to Garowe 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'.

GAROWE ONLINE