Somalia: Subdued, ISIS militants hide in Cal-Miskaad caves - official

BOSASO, Somalia - The concerted efforts by the Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces to defeat the ISIS militants have yielded significant gains in the last six months, a senior commander said, noting that the war shall be won in the future despite the lack of support from the federal government of Somalia.

The Federal Government of Somalia has not given Puntland the much-needed support in the ongoing military operations within the Bari region, even though it often takes credit for the airstrikes made by both the US Africa Command and the United Arab Emirates.

Both the Emiratis and Americans have been assisting Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces in air surveillance, which has helped significantly in reducing the impact of counter-attacks by the militants, who are caged within the Cal-Miskaad mountains.

According to a senior commander, the Puntland forces would in the long run win the battle, noting that most of the fighters are now fugitives hiding in Cal-Miskaad mountains caves, where the military is actively pursuing them in eastern Puntland.

"The ISIS terrorists are now fugitives hiding in caves in the Calmiskaad mountains — we will capture them," the commander said, while receiving guidance from President Said Abdullahi Deni.

Last week, the Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces managed to arrest Hassan Atar, a Turkish national believed to be fighting alongside ISIS terrorists in the Cal-Miskaad mountains. He was paraded along with those arrested during the operation.

"The Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces, currently conducting operations in Calmiskaad, have presented a captured member of the fleeing ISIS terrorists who was apprehended during recent operations. The man, a Turkish national, identified himself as Hassan Atar," the team said.

The final push to eliminate ISIS militants is taking place with the forces relying on community intelligence and local militia in pursuing the group. ISIS militants are limited to the Bari region, and their influence has dwindled significantly in recent days.

GAROWE ONLINE