Somalia: How Puntland forces cornered ISIS terrorists plotted major attack

BOSASO, Somalia - Sophisticated intelligence networks enabled Puntland forces to overwhelm the ISIS militants who had plotted a deadly attack, a senior official said, noting the importance of close collaboration of security troops in the ongoing war.

General Mohamoud Fadhigo, the spokesperson of the Puntland Devish Forces, said the prior intelligence helped the troops to swiftly respond to a would-be deadly attack and perhaps a major loss for the regional forces.

“Puntland’s anti-terrorism units had prior intelligence on the attack and swiftly neutralized the suicide bombers before they could reach their targets,” Fadhigo said.

The battle left over 60 militants dead on Tuesday, the highest number since Operation Lightning was initiated. Most of those killed are believed to be foreign fighters, who had mounted a base in the Cal-Miskaad mountains in the Bari region of Somalia.

Besides the timely intelligence, Puntland troops are getting sufficient assistance from both the US and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The two countries are providing aerial surveillance which is a critical battlefield.

"With the help of UAE airstrikes, we also overwhelmed ISIS ground forces, killing approximately 70 militants,” Fadhigo added.

According to Fadhigo, the ISIS militants had attempted a large-scale assault on Puntland military bases overnight using suicide bombers on foot, motorcycles, and cars. However, government forces repelled the attack, launching retaliatory airstrikes that inflicted heavy losses on the insurgents.

While Puntland forces suffered casualties in the battle, officials declined to disclose the exact figures. For the last four weeks, over 100 militants have been killed by the Puntland Defense Forces, with the federal government failing to take responsibility.

GAROWE ONLINE