Somalia: Airstrike Destroys ISIS Explosives Factory in Somalia's Puntland

BOSASO, Somalia - An ISIS explosives factory was destroyed in Puntland on Friday evening, the counterterrorism operation center reported, in yet another remarkable milestone against the group, which had made gains in the northern state of Somalia.

According to reports, the operation was executed in the Sheebaab area within Calmiskaad mountains, demolishing a facility used by ISIS for manufacturing explosives and vehicle armor. The militants were using the plant to manufacture sophisticated explosives, the center said.

The Puntland counterterrorism unit reports that the factory was destroyed and all personnel inside were killed. The correct number of those killed is yet to be determined, officials said without giving much details.

"Tonight’s operation: An airstrike was conducted in the Sheebaab area, targeting a factory used for manufacturing explosives and vehicle armor, operated by ISIS terrorists. The factory was destroyed and all personnel working there were killed," read the statement on X.

Although it was not immediately clear who engineered the airstrike, the US Africa Command and the United Arab Emirates have been assisting Puntland forces to conduct airstrikes in areas dominated by the terrorists, who have lost significantly on the frontlines.

On Wednesday, two airstrikes that took in the Sheebaab area of the Calmiskaad mountains killed more than 30 ISIS terrorists, most of whom were foreigners, and destroyed the supply vehicle they were transporting, the counterterrorism center reported.

Elsewhere, Puntland Security forces arrested at least 7 people, including some previously wanted suspects, during operations on Thursday night, per police. The individuals are believed to have connections to ISIS in Somalia, officials added.

Puntland has largely supported its operations against the IS-Somalia militants, with the federal government offering nothing in the process. The region has, however, maintained that it shall continue targeting the militants even without national support.

GAROWE ONLINE