Somalia PM: We stand with Puntland on ISIS crackdown

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre has lauded Puntland for the ongoing military crackdown against the IS-Somalia militants in the eastern region, noting that the crackdown has yielded intended results, while urging the state to remain vigilant and unrelenting.

In his address after the Puntland forces recovered huge swathes of the eastern region, Hamza Abdi Barre, who heads government operations, said the victory against ISIS militants should be emulated by other states as the country fights for stability and development.

Somalia government, he added, shall fully offer support for Puntland forces in their battle against ISIS militants in the Bari region's Al-Miskaad mountains. The outing, he added, gives 'hope and motivation to all patriots in the country'.

"Our commitment is unwavering; we stand with the valiant Puntland forces in their struggle against ISIS. We will offer whatever support is needed," Barre said, speaking in Mogadishu on Tuesday after Puntland published the outcome of the military operations.

According to military officials, Puntland forces have so far shot down 12 drones operated by ISIS militants, and also located and neutralized two Improvised Explosive Devices during the latest operation in the Al-Miskaad mountains.

The Puntland forces killed 26 militants, including five foreigners while capturing two major ISIS bases and downing 12 drones in an operation in the Cal Miskaad mountain range in the Bari region, an operations spokesperson said on Monday.

The offensive marks a significant blow to ISIS operations in the area, with the seizure of the bases and the downing of surveillance or attack drones indicating a tactical success for Puntland's security forces, who declared total war against the militants.

Somalia has been at loggerheads with the Puntland administration with their differences mainly anchored on security strategy, sharing of national resources, and constitutional changes. Puntland had cut ties with Mogadishu, with the international partners calling for dialogue to end the standoff.

GAROWE ONLINE