US, and UAE carry out airstrikes against ISIS in Somalia's Puntland

BOSASO, Somalia - The United States and the US Africa Command have heightened airstrikes in the Cal-Miskaad mountains, the officially designated hideouts of the ISIS militants, significantly assisting local forces to make progress in the fight against the group.

ISIS militants have been on the receiving end within the last two months, in a campaign designed and approved by Puntland regional administration under Said Abdullahi Deni, who insisted that the war shall be carried on 'with or without the support from Mogadishu'.

Over the weekend, the US, in partnership with Puntland forces, carried out two airstrikes within the Cal Miskaad mountains, targeting the militants after deep intelligence networks. The casualties are not yet known.

The airstrikes by Americans come after a series of them, potentially approved by the Pentagon with the huge involvement of President Donald Trump. Early this month, Trump announced the maiden airstrikes within the Bari region which targeted an ISIS 'planner'.

Besides the US Africa Command, the United Arab Emirates is also involved in Operation Lightning, which was enforced in interior parts of Puntland. The team provides aerial surveillance and logistical supplies to the local forces.

On Sunday, the Puntland Counter-Terrorism Command confirmed UAE-powered airstrikes Darar-Madoobe area in Cal-Miskaad, killing more than 12 terrorists, including senior members of ISIS. Their transport truck was set on fire, officials said.

Earlier, the government of Puntland in collaboration with its UAE partners, carried out airstrikes targeting the Xankookib caves near the Dhasan in Cal-Miskaad. The strikes destroyed a weapons depot and vehicles belonging to the ISIS terrorists, killing several of its members in the attack, the military reports.

The Puntland government expresses gratitude to its UAE partners for their continued support in the fight against ISIS. Throughout this journey, the federal government has yet to explicitly showcase solidarity with the regional state.

Puntland projects that the ISIS militants will be completely edged out in the coming months but are concerned with the minimal involvement of the federal government. Fighting terrorism has traditionally been a global agenda where multinational forces are involved with strong internal support.

GAROWE ONLINE