U.S. pledges more support to Somalia's Puntland in ISIS war

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United States army may not pull out from Puntland state any soon since it's keen to double efforts in the fight against ISIS militants, a senior Pentagon official told VOA, amid concerns over possible retreat in coming days.

Both the United Arab Emirates and the US Africa Command have been assisting Puntland in targeting the militants from the air in recent weeks, significantly helping in the destruction of the group’s caves and hideouts in the Cal-Miskaad mountains.

Recently, the US forces announced the death of 16 militants including Ahmed Maeleninine, described by U.S. officials as a “recruiter, financier and external operations leader responsible for the deployment of jihadists into the United States and across Europe.”

A senior defense official who spoke in confidence indicated Washington is prepared to potentially lend additional help. Puntland has vowed to double the efforts despite the non commitment by the federal government of Somalia.

“The Department remains committed to supporting our partners in our shared efforts to disrupt, degrade, and defeat terrorist organizations in the Horn of Africa,” the official told VOA.

Observers said the “persistent” pressure by the Somali forces, along with help from the U.S. and UAE, appears to be paying off.

“Indications [are] that the Puntland forces are making real progress against ISIS in Somalia’s hideouts,” a former senior Western counterterrorism official told VOA, requesting anonymity to discuss the ongoing developments.

“The question is whether they [the Puntland forces] will be able to continue to hold the captured hideouts, or whether ISIS will be able to return in the coming weeks and months,” the official said.

If the Somali forces can hold the captured territory, though, the damage to the terror group could extend well beyond Somalia’s borders. Most training camps of the group have been seized by the Puntland forces, who are in the final stretch towards liberating the state.

“Given the central role of the al-Karrar office in financing the wider ISIS network, there could be some knock-on impact,” said the former Western counterterrorism official.

Al-Karrar is one of nine regional Islamic State offices established to help sustain the terror group’s capabilities. Since 2022, the office has been a key cog in the terror group’s financial network, funneling money to affiliates in Afghanistan and elsewhere in Africa.

Regional security analysts warn IS could regroup if Puntland’s counterterrorism forces are unable to maintain their pursuit.

“Their mobile special forces have been the pointed end of the spear,” said Samira Gaid, a Horn of Africa security analyst.

“For the moment, it appears that the Puntland forces are committed and well-resourced,” she told VOA. “However, much will depend on the Puntland forces then securing and manning the territories it will liberate to ensure the group does not make a comeback.”

As for IS, the terror group is “attempting to melt into the population, though this is difficult,” said Gaid. “It’s the natural progression when faced by a force that is superior.”

Said Abdullahi Deni, Puntland region’s leader, has also offered IS members in Somalia, including women and children, a chance to surrender and for foreign fighters to possibly even return to their countries of origin.

“They [IS] envisioned it as a place where they cannot be seen, strategically a tough place, and gives them access to the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Gulf,” he said.

The major aim is to capture Abdulkadir Mumin, the man believed to be the global leader of ISIS militants. However, there were claims that he may have died following US Africa Command airstrikes in May 2024, but such reports have been ruled out.

GAROWE ONLINE