ISIS clashes Al-Shabaab in fight for control in Somalia's Puntland

BOSASO, Somalia - The war against terrorists in Somalia has taken an interesting twist after ISIS militants reportedly raided Al-Shabaab bases in the northeastern part of the country, which could further change the dynamics in the ongoing operations across the country.

For the last 20 months, Somalia has invested in the fight against Al-Shabaab, one of the terror groups with substantive bases across the nation, with the soldiers on the frontlines managing to secure several strategic towns.

Much focus has been on the fight against Al-Shabaab, which has dominated central and southern regions of the country for the last two decades. The al-Shabaab is affiliated with Al-Qaeda, a huge terror network in the Middle Eastern region.

According to sources, the ISIS militants launched an assault on Al-Shabaab bases in Puntland, claiming the lives of more than 50 members, including important commanders, according to a report published in the Al_Naba.

The Al_Naba closely monitors ISIS operations. The attack marks a new chapter in the ongoing conflict between the two terrorist groups in Somalia. The IS militants are concentrated in northern Somalia, within the Golis mountains of Puntland state.

For several years, the ISIS militants have been battling to topple Al-Shabaab's influence in the country but the group is yet to make any meaningful progress, with Al-shabaab pushing them further to the northern regions where they control a few areas including Bari areas of the country..

Interestingly, the fight between the two groups makes it easier for the country to eliminate militants, further restoring peace and tranquillity. The conflict has renewed hope for the security troops who have taken advantage to further crush the militants.

The government of Somalia has activated tangible measures on various frontlines as they establish a strong ground to control some of the strategic areas. The government estimates that by December 2023, most of these militants would have been eliminated from the country.

GAROWE ONLINE