Somalia: Puntland Forces Kill 57 ISIS Militants, Mostly Foreigners

BOSASO, Somalia - At least 57 militants, including foreigners, were killed on Tuesday night in an operation against ISIS carried out in eastern parts of Puntland state, with the regional forces getting significant backing from the US Africa Command and the other international partner forces.

Multiple sources confirmed airstrikes to Garowe Online in several locations where ISIS militants are hiding in the Cal-Miskaad mountains. 

Earlier, at least 24 foreign fighters were killed in the Dharin area, 17 kilometers from Turmasaale, Tuesday, following heavy clashes between Puntland forces and the ISIS militants. The Puntland forces attacked one of the three remaining ISIS strongholds in the mountainous region.

The assault around Togga Jacayl, where the militants responded, led to heavy clashes. On both occasions, the military displayed the bodies of the militants, pledging to annihilate the fighters within the next few weeks.

"Puntland Counter-Terrorism forces are conducting an operation today [Wednesday] in the area between Qurac and Dharin, as well as the surrounding areas of Togjaceel. The forces have already taken control of several bases by force. Many foreign ISIS terrorists have been killed," said the Puntland army.

Puntland forces have fortified lower areas of the Cal-Miskaad mountains to prevent militant escape. The US Africa Command airstrikes have particularly been helpful with the team managing to destroy caves and hideouts.

Over the weekend, President Donald Trump confirmed America's input in the fight against ISIS, adding that the airstrikes targeted a senior 'planner'. It is not clear whether the planner was eliminated or not, and the Pentagon failed to reveal its identity.

However, there are reports that the US was after ISIS global leader Abdulkadir Mumin, who is said to have survived May 2024 airstrikes within the same location. The group’s threat has grown significantly in recent years, following the recruitment of foreign fighters, State Department said.

The government of Somalia has neither provided logistical and financial support nor has it deployed its elite troops to help Puntland regional forces on the battlefield, a move that can boost morale in the camp. Ironically, the same government is taking credit for achievements made this far.

GAROWE ONLINE