Somalia: Puntland forces make gains against ISIS terrorists

BOSASO, Somalia - The Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces have continued to make immense gains in eastern regions, with the ISIS militants suffering numerous setbacks, including the latest deaths of at least 10 fighters, who had planned an attack against the security teams.

According to Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces, the ten militants were hiding in the Shaakaalooyin area before they faced off with the military teams that were pursuing them in Miraale and Baalade valleys in the Bari region.

"Direct battle: Our forces killed more than 10 members of the ISIS terrorist group who were hiding in the Shaakaalooyin area, located between the Miraale and Baalade valleys. Further details will be shared with you," the forces said.

And on Tuesday morning, the fighting resumed within the same region, leading to fierce clashes with casualties reported as well. The Puntland air and ground forces within Miraale areas were activated and are responding with equal force, officials said.

"The fighting resumed this morning from where it left off last night. Our Air and Ground Forces, working together, are clearing out hideouts in areas located to the south of the Miraale Valley of fleeing ISIS terrorists. The bodies of the terrorists are scattered," read the statement.

At night on Monday, fresh airstrikes were carried out by the US Africa Command in support of the Puntland Counter-Terrorism operations, with four locations also targeted. The Miraale area was one of the targeted regions during the onslaught.

ISIS fighters were fleeing from the area while running to nearby caves to shield themselves from the airstrikes in the vicinity. The US Africa Command has been working closely with the Special Operations Group in Puntland to diminish the influence of the militants.

"Fresh airstrikes were carried out by the US Africa Command, allies of the Puntland government. The strikes took place in 4 locations between the Balade and Mirale valleys, targeting fleeing ISIS terrorists who were entering caves to hide," officials said.

Puntland has largely carried out operations on its own, with the US and the United Arab Emirates providing aerial surveillance. Sadly, the federal government of Somalia has rarely participated in the operations against the group.

GAROWE ONLINE