Somalia: Puntland troops surround last ISIS stronghold

BOSASO, Somalia - The Operation Hilaac is heading to the final phase with the Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces making significant strides on the battlefield, sources disclosed, including the latest crackdown, which has seen the group lose key zones.

Puntland forces are now closing in on what could be the last major hideout of ISIS militants in the Baallade Valley. This valley, which is within the Cal-Miskaad mountains, has been a major hideout for the militants, who have lost several strategic locations.

According to reports, the troops have encircled an area they believe to be the group’s final main stronghold. The area has been bombed from the air, but the caves are so deep and naturally fortified beneath the mountains that deploying troops without a well-thought-out plan could cost many lives.

One source said that if Puntland forces end ISIS resistance in Baallade, they could be on the verge of a major achievement. The source cautioned, however, that ISIS could still carry out sporadic guerrilla attacks even if its current stronghold is captured.

This comes after yet another airstrike within the caves, which was conducted by the Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces with the help of the US Africa Command, a key player in the aerial support channeled to the forces in northeastern Somalia.

"This afternoon, an airstrike hit ISIS terrorists hiding in the Maragade well area of Balade Valley. The strike was conducted by Puntland’s U.S. partners, US Africa Command, who continue providing air support to our forces in the ongoing counter-terrorism operation in Cal-Miskaat," the team said.

The US Africa Command and the United Arab Emirates have been providing aerial support for the Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces. Throughout the operation, several foreign fighters have been nabbed, with some killed during the operation.

GAROWE ONLINE