ISIS suffers blow in Somalia's Puntland as forces kill Pakistani Jihadist

BOSSASO, Puntland - The ISIS-affiliated militants suffered a significant blow following the death of a top foreign Jihadist, who has been serving the group for a couple of years, in their quest to control the war-torn Horn of Africa nation.

With diminishing ability, the ISIS affiliate has limited themselves to Puntland state in Somalia, mainly in the Goli mountains. They occasionally strike at security forces and civilians in the northeastern state.

But in a statement, Puntland Security Forces [PSF], who have been carrying out operations across the state, announced the killing of Khalid Jama Osama, a Pakistani jihadist during an operation in Almadow mountains in the Bari region over the weekend.

During the operation, the security forces noted, the group's main hideout was destroyed by the team which layer seized several weapons. Dozens of other fighters are said to have escaped with serious injuries according to authorities in Puntland.

Khalid Jama Osama was one of the dozens of foreign fighters working closely with the ISIS group which boasts to have recruited several fighters from the Middle East. The group was recently pictured training in an unknown location within the Puntland State of Somalia.

While it's not clear how long he's been fighting with the group, Khalid Jama Osama was one of the fighters being pursued by Puntland Security Forces following security briefs. He's said to have been the head of operations of the group in Somalia.

Puntland, one of the most stable states in Somalia, has recently been battling with terror groups. Al-Shabaab is also said to be making inroads in the region but concerted operations by security forces have significantly minimized their entry to the region.

ISIS relocated to Puntland after sibling rivalry with Al-Shabaab, which crushed them from southern Somalia. The groups often fight when they meet on the battlefield, something which helps in tactical neutralization of the extremism in the Horn of Africa nation.

Al-Shabaab has also lost several territories in central and southern Somalia following security operations by Somali National Army [SNA] and the African Union Mission Forces in Somalia. 

Osama now joins the list of deadly terrorists who have been killed in Somalia in recent months either in-ground combats or US airstrikes. Another Pakistani Jihadist fighting for ISIS was killed by US forces early this year.

GAROWE ONLINE