Somalia: ISIS militants using family as human shields in Puntland

BOSASO, Somalia - Sensing impending defeat by the Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces, the ISIS militants in Somalia have reverted to the use of human shields for survival, with a number of them now using unarmed family members for this delicate mission.

Brigadier General Ahmed Abdullahi Sheikh said the militants are using this known strategy, but adds that the forces and partners will respect the international law of conflict by sparing non-combatants.

"These cowards are using their own family members as human shields. Puntland's forces and partners have complied and will continue to comply with the law of armed conflict in ensuring non-combatants don't get in harm's way," he said.

Last week, President Hassan Last week, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced that the military is in the final phase of the operationSheikh Mohamud announced that the military is in the final phase of the operation, noting that the war is almost won. According to him, many fighters have either died or surrendered since the operation began a year ago.

To deal with the current situation, Ahmed Abdullahi Sheikh said the military has adjusted its strategy, noting that operations are now paused to assess the situation for the purpose of precision and operational swiftness.

"Ground forces are now executing the final phase of their advance in the last remaining operational areas. Simultaneously, targeted precision airstrikes conducted in cooperation with US Africa Command have intensified this week," he said.

"This coordinated effort is enabling Puntland Defence Force to systematically clear cave complexes and neutralise the last remaining entrenched remnants."

A drone footage of the Puntland Defence Forces showed ISIS militants with women and children walking in the Calmiskaad mountains. For six months, the group has been moving from mountain to mountain, fleeing operations.

GAROWE ONLINE