Somalia: Puntland praised for victory against ISIS militants

GAROWE, Somalia - The government of Somalia has hailed Puntland state's strategic operations against the ISIS militants, terming the military crackdown as 'timely' and 'important' for the stability of the Horn of Africa nation which is fighting violent extremism.

For the second week in a row, the Puntland regional forces with help from organized local militias, targeted militants in the eastern parts of the state, in what has elicited support from the federal government despite internal political differences.

A statement released by the government of Somalia expressed Mogadishu’s 'heartfelt support' for the state's concerted effort to defeat ISIS militants, whose footprints have been noted by global security powerhouses.

Puntland forces made significant advancements by capturing strategic wells and food stockpiles, bolstering their position in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the Al-Miskaad mountains, Bari region.

The praise from the federal government comes amidst criticism over its silence on the anti-ISIS fight in Puntland. A report by security officials indicated that a total of 26 ISIS militants had been killed by Tuesday in the crackdown dubbed 'Operation Lightning'.

The local forces are making substantial advances against ISIS positions in the Al-Miskaad mountains, according to military officials. The Hilaac operations involve targeting key areas where the militants are known to operate, showing significant progress in the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the Bari region.

For two years, the federal government's support to Puntland has been 'insufficient' with the two administrations disagreeing on security operations coordination, constitutional reforms, and sharing of the resources to the federal states.

Said Abdullahi Deni, the president of the regional state of Puntland, insisted that the operation would end violent extremism in the region, adding that more military actions would be activated in different parts of Puntland to foster stability and growth.

Somalia is battling a host of challenges, with the Al-Shabaab menace also growing in the far south. The United States had pledged 'serious support' in the war against violent extremist groups with the team helping Somalia forces to neutralize Abu Abdirahman, a senior Al-Shabaab operative, recently.

GAROWE ONLINE