Puntland troops foil car bombs, kill 24 ISIS militants in operation

GAROWE - Puntland Security Forces have killed at least 24 militants aligned with the Islamic State group by direct fire during a series of operations over the last two days in parts of Bari province.

Following a tip-off, the troops raided the base in the Al-Miskaat Mountains around Balidhidin district, where ISIS used to store heavy ammunition and materials to make IEDs and car bombs, according to PSF.

A video clip released by PSF showed troops blowing up two intercepted vehicles loaded with explosive materials which ISIS members were planning to use in terror attacks to harm innocent civilians.

The troops recovered homemade explosives and firearms from the scene of the fighting. The ISIS fighters fled towards the semi-forest hills as PSF intensified the offensive. 

The security forces of Somalia’s northeastern Federal state continue to carry out frequent operations against the ISIS group in these parts where the group has recently mobilized fighters in the hilly areas.

The ISIS militants broke off from Al-Shabaab for 6 years and continued sporadic raids in the Bari region, where the terror groups have hideouts to train their fighters and orchestrate attacks in Puntland.

Puntland, which enjoyed relative calm for decades is now facing dual challenges facing security forces from the al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab and the growing presence of fighters linked to the Islamic State.

GAROWE ONLINE