Somalia: Puntland Forces Triumph Over ISIS, Killing Over 60 Militants in Lone Battle

BOSASO, Somalia - In what could be a significant step towards the realization of stability in Puntland state, local ISIS forces declared a major victory against the IS-Somalia militants, marking a remarkable milestone in the ongoing offensive against the group.

For the better part of Tuesday, Puntland Defense Forces engaged in a one-on-one confrontation with ISIS militants who have been on the run in the Cal-Miskaad mountains, leading to a heavy exchange of gunfire between the two sides.

The battle around Haraaryo area within Toga-Jaceel left dozens of the ISIS militants dead, officials said, declaring an important victory for the local troops, who are working under budgetary constraints with minimal support from the international community and under a non-committal central government.

“In the past 24 hours, the Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces have killed more than 60 ISIS terrorists. The operation included both airstrikes and ground operations” Gen. Mohamoud Fadhigo, Spokesman for the Puntland Counter-Terrorism Operation.

The majority of those killed were foreign fighters who had been recruited by the group, posing a threat to the northern state of Somalia. Puntland transferred injured soldiers abroad for specialized treatment, officials added.

Transferring the injured soldiers abroad for treatment is part of the state's commitment to protecting its people and security forces—it is part of Puntland’s 25-year struggle to defend its citizens and territories from terrorist groups infiltrating from outside its borders.

While Puntland stands alone in this fight, it remains unwavering in its mission to eliminate terrorism and safeguard its people, regional government officials said amid a strained relationship with the federal government.

Senator Abdirahman Mohamed Farole praised the bravery and resilience of Puntland forces, fighting without international support, warning that if ISIS is not defeated, they will gain a strategic advantage threatening regional security and maritime trade.

The veteran politician urged IGAD, Islamic nations, and especially Arab countries to support Puntland in eliminating the terrorist threat. Both the US and United Arab Emirates have been providing aerial surveillance throughout the military campaign.

Puntland becomes the first state to initiate a full-scale operation against an international terrorist network ostensibly to protect its citizens, further exposing security lapses and poor national security policies by the central government which has conspicuously missed in action.

Recently, President Said Abdullahi Deni said "We shall not stop pursuing the militants simply because we're not getting support. This is a war we shall fight until the end for the safety of the people of Somalia."

Experts believe that the defeat of ISIS would further strengthen the credibility of the state in pursuing its regional interests, including building of a strong force that can be used in sophisticated operations both at local and national levels.

GAROWE ONLINE