Puntland Recalls Retired Military experts as ISIS War gains momentum

BOSASO, Somalia - Puntland has recalled retired military experts and theorists in the middle of the war against ISIS militants, following a series of gains and setbacks within the frontlines in the Cal-Miskaad mountains in the Bari region.

The experts, officials said, would be integral in the final assault against the IS-Somalia militants, which the team is planning to activate in the coming months. The experts would work closely with frontline commanders, officials added.

General Mohamed Hirsi Morgan, a former high-ranking Somali National Army officer, and General Bashir America, the former commander of the Somali National Police, were among those recalled. Several other specialists were also recalled.

Their main mandate, officials said, would be strategizing with the frontline teams to minimize losses on the Puntland side. Although over 200 ISIS militants have been neutralized, the Puntland forces have also suffered casualties.

Several officers have been killed by ISIS explosives planted in pathways, which the local forces are clearing. Puntland has, however, benefited from the airstrikes planned and executed by both the US Africa Command and the United Arab Emirates.

The Puntland State government continues to reinforce its military campaign, claiming that hundreds of ISIS militants have been eliminated in combat operations since December. Authorities remain focused on eliminating the remaining insurgents as they advance into the final phase of the military offensive.

On Saturday, the US embassy in Somalia condemned the ISIS attack against Puntland forces in the Cal-Miskaad mountains which occurred on Thursday. Despite the ambush, the local troops managed to liberate strategic areas, killing many militants in the process.

“We condemn the ISIS terrorist attack against the Puntland forces on February 11 in Puntland. We offer our sincerest condolences to the families of the brave Puntland Security Forces soldiers who lost their lives in the attack,” the embassy said in a post on social media.

At least 30 Puntland soldiers were killed in a midnight suicide bombing targeting a Puntland army post in Togga Jecel, within the Al-Miskaat mountains. Aerial surveillance has partly revamped the operations, dismantling the group's hideouts and weaponry stores.

Most of the militants killed throughout the operations were identified as foreigners of different African and Middle Eastern nationalities. It is widely believed the most sought Abdulkadir Mumin is the current ISIS global leader and could be hiding in the Cal-Miskaad mountains.

GAROWE ONLINE