UAE Airstrikes Target ISIS Bases in Somalia’s Puntland

BOSASO, Somalia - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) struct several bases controlled by the ISIS militants in Somalia, uplifting the spirits of the local forces, who have religiously fought the group, whose expansion of territory was a reality a few months ago.

The ISIS militants, mostly foreigners, had established more permanent bases in Puntland state, with the ultimate goal being destabilization of the northern state of Somalia — the most stable federal state of the five regions.

According to the Puntland counterterrorism command center, the Monday night airstrikes targeted the bases deep in the caves of Cal-Miskaad mountains where the group has lost large swathes of territories in recent weeks.

“An airstrike has just taken place in the Miiraale Valley, within the Calmiskaad mountain range, targeting fleeing ISIS terrorists who were regrouping. The strike was carried out by Puntland’s allies from UAE,” the command said.

However, the command center, which has been giving regular updates on Operation Lightning, did not mention if there were any casualties. The strike came barely a day after the Puntland forces seized a sniper training camp used by ISIS in the Dibi-Ganuun area of Al-Miskad.

Several ISIS militants have been killed in the last two months with dozens getting arrested by the local forces as the operation nears the end. Already, the Puntland forces have destroyed some of the hideouts believed to have been hosting Abdulkadir Mumin, the global leader of the group.

“As long as a foreign invader lives on our land, we must be ready to sacrifice our lives to defend our country. We carry weapons and fight to eliminate the foreign terrorists who have invaded,” said Second Lieutenant Jaamac Cumar, an officer with the Puntland forces.

The entry of the UAE airwing is expected to boost the Puntland command and deal a further blow to the ISIS terrorist organization. Also in the aerial surveillance team are the US Africa Command forces, who work jointly with the Puntland forces.

GAROWE ONLINE