Somalia’s President Boasts of Puntland Forces’ Success Against ISIS

GO - Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has openly praised the successes of Puntland’s forces in a recent op-ed titled “Protecting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden”, published by the international newspaper Al Sharq Al Awsat.

In his article, President Hassan Sheikh revealed intelligence previously disclosed by the United States government, highlighting secret ties between ISIS, Al-Shabaab, and Yemen’s Houthi rebels. He emphasized that Somali intelligence services had already been aware of these sensitive connections.

The President detailed that investigations by Somalia’s intelligence agencies uncovered ongoing cooperation among these groups, involving the exchange of weapons, military expertise, and financial resources. Speaking on the matter, he stated, “There is covert collaboration between Al-Shabaab, ISIS, and the Houthis, posing a major threat to regional security.” He also stressed that the Federal Government of Somalia had made significant efforts to disrupt attempts by these groups to smuggle weapons and drones into Somalia.

Elsewhere in the article, President Hassan Sheikh praised the Puntland regional forces for their notable victories against ISIS militants who had established strongholds in the Cal-Miskaad mountains in the north of the country. He described these victories as critical to Somalia’s overall stability, noting, “The victories achieved in the Cal-Miskaad mountains form the backbone of securing the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.”

However, it is widely recognized that there is no formal collaboration or coordination between the Puntland administration and the Federal Government regarding these military operations.

The President’s remarks come at a time when the Federal Government he leads has faced mounting criticism over its handling of the war against Al-Shabaab, amid accusations that the national army has weakened during his tenure. Addressing these concerns, President Hassan Sheikh wrote, “Despite the many challenges, our efforts have not diminished, and we continue to fight extremist groups.”

In closing, the President emphasized that Somalia’s struggle against terrorism is not confined within its borders alone, but is a vital part of safeguarding the broader Horn of Africa and the critical maritime corridors of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. He appealed to regional countries and the international community to reinforce joint efforts in countering the expanding threat posed by extremist groups.

GAROWE ONLINE