Local Support Rises as Puntland Forces Gear Up for Offensive Against Militants

BOSASO, Somalia - A few days after recording a major win against the ISIS militants, Puntland has started mobilization of the local community ahead of the major operations against the militant groups in the Bari region's mountains.

Local people living in the region started supporting the forces ahead of the all-out offensive against the ISIS group. The Al-Shabaab and ISIS militants operate within mountainous areas within the Bari region in northeastern parts of Somalia.

Mohamed Baari, Puntland’s first Deputy Speaker, survived an attack plotted by the ISIS militants in Dharjaale village in the Bari region where at least 10 militants, including 8 foreign fighters were killed following a heavy exchange of gunfire and explosions at the main base.

In his assessment, Baari says the presence of militant groups such as Al-Shabaab and ISIS in some parts of the remote villages of Bari has affected the local communities hence the need for the people to participate in efforts to eradicate the groups from the entire of Puntland.

Security forces in Puntland have intensified the crackdown against the violent extremist groups with no support from the Federal Government of Somalia in Mogadishu. The Federal State remains the most stable and progressive state of the country.

President Said Abdullahi Deni has often questioned the commitment of the federal government in the fight against terrorism, arguing that its persistent wrangles with federal states undermine the strides made in the fight against terror groups.

On his part, Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has remained silent on the recent defeat of ISIS in the foiled attack at the Dharjaale area and didn't commend the troops for their sacrifice and heroic action to avert a major assault.

GAROWE ONLINE