Somalia: Resilient Puntland forces repel ISIS attack

BOSASO, Somalia - Puntland forces showcased their resilience after repelling successfully an attack waged by ISIS terrorists, military officials confirmed, in a battle that lasted for several hours, inflicting serious setbacks on the group, whose influence is winning in Somalia.

The attack erupted after the militants launched explosives targeting forces stationed at Haraaryo, but their infiltration was effectively tackled, leading to massive losses of the militants, officials added, in the latest success against the group.

Photos published in the military's Telegram showed bodies of dead foreign fighters, mostly of African descent—some detonating suicide vests while others were neutralized by security forces, military officials said.

"Somalia’s Puntland Dervish Forces repelled an ISIS attack on military positions in the Haraaryo and Togo-Jecel areas of the Cal-Miskaad mountains, Bari region," the state media reported.

"Officials confirm that the ongoing operations have inflicted heavy losses on ISIS militants, eliminating key figures and foreign fighters," reports further indicate.

This battle highlights Puntland’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and secure its territories. Puntland stands alone in the fight against ISIS militants hiding in the Cal-Miskaad mountains.

Yesterday, Daesh forces also killed at least 13 foreign fighters following an airstrike in the Cal-Miskaad mountains, marking yet another significant stride in the fight against violent extremist groups within the northern state of Somalia.

The airstrikes targeted terrorist hideouts as part of an ongoing counterterrorism operation over the past 24 hours, according to regional security officials. The operation is also in the final stages, with more caves set to be liberated from the group.

President Said Abdullahi Deni said he would not be distracted in the fight against the group that had infiltrated the eastern parts of the state. The US Africa Command and the United Arab Emirates have been instrumental in providing aerial surveillance.

GAROWE ONLINE