ISIS militant surrenders to Somalia's Puntland forces

Puntland Security Forces gather following their successful seizure of Dhaban Ade, once an ISIS command hub, in the Almiskaad mountains of Bari, Puntland State, Somalia. (Photo: Puntland State TV)

BOSASO, Somalia - A senior member of the ISIS militants surrendered to the Puntland Defence Forces on Tuesday, senior officials said, while lauding the ongoing operations against the group which had started expanding territory in the northern state of Somalia.

For the last three weeks, Puntland security forces have been pursuing the militants in Bari region in the first major operation by the state targeting the group whose presence in the country hinders growth and development.

According to local officials, the senior militant whose name was not immediately disclosed, surrendered to forces in Puntland in the Bari mountains, where local authorities had previously announced amnesty for those who surrendered voluntarily.

Under the offer, any militant who surrenders without being captured in combat will be spared. The operation is still ongoing as the Federal state focuses on the total elimination of the militants, who the United States said posed a serious threat to security in the Horn of Africa.

Last week, several ISIS militants were killed among them foreign fighters, who are said to have crossed over secretly to the country. At least 10 militants were killed with the forces managing to intercept 12 drones used by the group.

There are some reports that a landmine explosion Monday killed at least 13 Puntland soldiers and injured more than seven others in the Habley area, Bari region. The current operation saw the capture of key bases belonging to ISIS and the troops continued their offensive in Al-Miskaad.

Military sources say the soldiers who were engaged in counter-terrorism operations against ISIS militants in the region were killed after their military vehicle ran over an explosive device. The ISIS is said to have carried out the attack but it is yet to take responsibility.

Puntland is considered the most secure state in Somalia but it has been handling violent extremist groups, key among them ISIS. There are traces of Al-Shabaab in the south towards Galkayo, but the local troops have managed to contain the situation.

GAROWE ONLINE