The High Cost of War: The Sacrifice of Puntland's Brave Officer Jiib Gurey Bootaan

BOSASO, Somalia — In the rugged hills of Calmiskaad, where the battle between Puntland forces and ISIS rages on, one officer’s bravery became a symbol of sacrifice. Jiib Gurey Bootaan, a senior military figure in Puntland's fight against extremists, died in a mine explosion today—an unfortunate twist of fate that capped a story of heroism and devotion to his country.

Bootaan had earned widespread recognition just days earlier for his audacious capture of a drone rigged with explosives. The drone, a tool of terror for ISIS militants, could have caused unimaginable destruction. But thanks to Bootaan’s sharp instincts and courage, the drone was intercepted before it could detonate. The capture hailed as a daring victory, led Puntland's President, Said Deni, to publicly commend Bootaan for his bravery, calling him a national hero.

The pride in Bootaan’s actions, however, would soon be overshadowed by tragedy. Just 24 hours later, as Bootaan attempted to clear a mine from the battlefield, the very type of device he had spent years helping to neutralize exploded beneath him. His death is a stark reminder of the daily risks faced by those at the front lines, a fate that has claimed many lives in Puntland’s ongoing fight against ISIS.

Bootaan wasn’t just an officer; he was part of a team actively engaged in one of the most dangerous operations in Somalia: clearing the land of mines planted by militants. Known for his tenacity, he was one of the key figures responsible for overseeing the mine removal efforts, helping safeguard the lives of soldiers and civilians alike. His expertise was integral to the fight—his loss leaves a profound gap in the Puntland’s military efforts.

But Bootaan’s death is part of a larger, tragic story. Since the beginning of the year, Puntland has recorded the deaths of soldiers and officers in the war. The conflict with ISIS, which began in earnest in December, has brought with it a wave of attacks. The ISIS militants have adapted their strategies, utilizing drones laden with explosives—an unsettling new weapon in the arsenal of terror.

Just a day ago, five soldiers were injured after a series of seven mines were activated remotely by drones targeting a Puntland military unit stationed in Togga Jacayl. The remote-triggered explosions are a cruel reminder of the increasingly complex and deadly tactics employed by ISIS.

Two days prior, another attack took the lives of five soldiers when a mine, hidden along a road, exploded under their military vehicle. These incidents, though tragic, underscore the dangers faced daily by those in the fight against extremism—many of whom are unsung heroes like Bootaan.

Puntland's forces, already captured key bases in the Cal-Miskaad mountains from ISIS during their battle. While the world may look elsewhere, the Somali government remained silent and didn't provide support to Puntland to clear their land of the terror that has plagued it for years. But in the face of rising casualties, there’s a sense that these soldiers are not just fighting for territory—they are fighting for a safer Puntland.

The life of Jiib Gurey Bootaan, cut short by a mine he never saw coming, symbolizes both the heroism and the harsh realities of modern warfare. In a region where every step is fraught with danger, those who remain are not just soldiers—they are guardians, standing between terror and peace, knowing the ultimate cost of their courage.

For now, Puntland grieves one of its brightest officers, while the battle continues—its path as treacherous as the mines that lay hidden beneath the soil in the Calmiskaad mountains, where Puntland state of Somalia forces are conducting a major military offensive aimed at flushing out ISIS.

GAROWE ONLINE