Puntland to Intensify Crackdown on ISIS After Military Gains

BOSASO, Somalia - The federal state of Puntland shall extend the crackdown against the IS-Somalia militants by targeting their sympathizers, regional leader Said Abdullahi Deni said while recognizing the sacrifices by the military teams engaging the fighters.

Deni, who ordered for activation of Operation Lightning, said the military teams on the frontlines had made significant progress in pursuing the IS-Somalia militants, adding that most strategic towns are now in the custody of local forces.

"After defeating ISIS, we will hunt down its sympathizers who hold misguided beliefs and are hiding in the cities," said Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, speaking at the passing out parade of army recruits in Bosaso.

However, Deni, who visited the Bari region, the epicenter of the militants, called on the people not to harm those seeking a better life in Puntland and directed security agencies to take responsible and effective action against terrorists hiding among foreign nationals arriving and residing in Puntland.

Locals have been working closely with the regional troops, frogmarching those believed to be associates of the ISIS militants. At least 300 people have been arrested for further interrogation, the majority of them believed to be foreigners.

He praised the troops for their bravery in fighting ISIS, specifically highlighting their successful operations in the Cal-Miskaad mountain caves where they defeated the group in a short period.

The operations saw the local forces intercept at least 12 drones used by the IS-Somalia militants, with the military killing at least 15 militants who are suspected to have been coordinating attacks against innocent civilians in the northern state of Somalia.

Puntland has made this milestone without support from the federal government, which has, however, lauded the forces for their successes. Puntland is one of the most stable states in Somalia but has lately been battling infiltration of the violent extremist groups in the region.

GAROWE ONLINE