Somalia: Tunisian ISIS Fighter Killed in Puntland as Foreign Militants Flee Military Operations

BOSOASO, Somalia - An operation waged by the Puntland Defense Forces left a Tunisian ISIS fighter and two Somali militants dead, marking a significant step towards the elimination of the terrorists in the northern state of Somalia.

Puntland is undertaking a spirited fight against violent extremist groups particularly the ISIS militants who had made remarkable gains in the state based on the report by the State Department, a move that worried international partners.

According to military sources, the Puntland Defense Forces launched a multi-directional assault, targeting hideouts of ISIS in the upper parts of Togga Jaceel, within the Calmiskaad mountain range in the Bari region, Sunday.

Military officials said a Tunisian national was shot dead after he attempted to surrender but then tried to detonate an explosive device among the troops. The attempt failed when he was ordered to lift his clothing for inspection, leading to the shooting.

The assault also left two Somali fighters dead, as the military made significant gains in Operation, which has widely been termed as the most organized local-led mission against terror groups in the country.

Meanwhile, Puntland police warned that ISIS militants, defeated in an ongoing military operation in the Calmiskaad mountains, are trying to infiltrate neighboring countries and southern Somalia, calling for heightened vigilance.

President Said Abdullahi Deni had assured locals that the Federal state shall win the war 'with or without' the support of partners, in an apparent swipe against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The federal government's input has been insignificant.

Since the war started, Mogadishu has never acknowledged the local-led effort, only reverting to peripheral commendation without logistical and military support. Puntland has been mobilizing local resources to facilitate the onslaught.

So far, at least 57 militants mostly foreign fighters have been killed by the local military with the US Africa Command's airstrikes leaving over 46 dead. Among those killed include Ahmed Maeleminine the man who is believed to have been referred by US President Donald Trump as an 'ISIS planner'.

In related operations, two Somali men were apprehended while planting explosives on a road connecting Turmasaale and Quruc, a supply route for the Puntland Defense Forces, officials said. The Somali government is yet to support Puntland in the war on ISIS due to political fall-out. 

GAROWE ONLINE