ISIS branch in Somalia still a major threat, analysts say

NAIROBI, Kenya - The ISIS militants in Somalia are still in a position to cause upset and probably ruin gains made in the fight against violent extremism, security analysts contend, in the wake of sporadic attacks targeting innocent civilians across the country.

Two months ago, the US Africa Command triggered an airstrike in Dhaadaar, Puntland, targeting Abdul Qadir Mumin, the leader of ISIS. While Mumin is believed to have survived, the strike resulted in the deaths of three other militants, illustrating the heightened concern among U.S. officials about the group's rising role within the global Islamic State network.

According to security analysts, the militants are potentially well equipped with the financial resources said to be 'stable'. The group has been recruiting foreign fighters mostly from Ethiopia, a strategy used to expand its territory beyond the borders.

Investigations done by independent analysts show that ISIS has solidified control over significant territory in northern Somalia, establishing a base for operations and supporting the al-Karrar office, which oversees financial programs and militant activities across the region.

Last year, the Navy SEALS managed to kill Bilal al-Sudani, a key member of the group, who was responsible for its international connections. He was linked to financing the IS-K attack at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport in 2021, which killed 13 American service members and approximately 170 Afghan civilians.

Despite efforts to kill Mumin, it is believed that continues to lead the group from a secured location in the Al-Miskaad mountains of the Bari region. ISIS is trying to make inroads in Africa, a continent that is also having its fair share of challenges.

The group has not made much progress in Somalia in terms of expanding territory due to rivalry with Alshabab, a group affiliated with the Al-Qaeda network. The al-Shabaab is presently the most lethal terror group in the African continent and is domiciled in Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE