Inside Puntland’s Final Push: Operation Hilaac Tightens Grip on Islamic State Remnants

BOSASO, Somalia — Puntland counter-terrorism forces carried out a large-scale operation on Sunday in the Al-Miskad Mountains of the coastal Bari region, targeting suspected Islamic State militants, according to local security sources.

The operation began early in the morning in the Togga Daanyo area, where forces killed three fighters. Later in the day, troops killed five more, bringing the confirmed total to eight, officials said.

The targeted cell was believed to consist of ten members responsible for extorting money and livestock from residents of Sixna and Daanyo, near the Jeceel valley in the Bari region.

Security officials involved in the operation said three Puntland soldiers were also killed in the clashes. The number of wounded was not disclosed.

Fighting subsided by late afternoon after security forces overpowered the militant cell. Troops remained deployed in the area to prevent the fighters from regrouping, according to officials.

The operation comes amid reports of increased Islamic State activity following Puntland forces’ withdrawal from frontline positions in Baallade in recent days. Security sources said militants had been attempting to move across the Baallade valley and nearby areas, prompting authorities to intensify counterterrorism measures.

Puntland authorities had not issued an official statement on the latest fighting as of Sunday, but security officials said operations against extremist groups would continue.

The campaign, known as Operation Hilaac, launched in 2024, is entering its final phase as Puntland troops close in on the remaining Islamic State hideouts.

GAROWE ONLINE