Somalia: Puntland Crackdown Targets ISIS-Linked Foreigners

BOSASO, Somalia - Security forces in Somalia's northeastern state of Puntland initiated a crackdown against undocumented foreigners, most of them who are believed to be fighting for the IS-Somalia faction, whose presence in the Bari region has stirred insecurity concerns.

On Sunday, the forces captured eight fighters allied to ISIS in the state, with six of them believed to be foreign fighters. For the last two weeks, Puntland forces have liberated strategic locations within the Bari region, as the operation gets into the final stretch.

In Bosaso, the capital of the Bari region, the number of detainees has reached 300, most of whom are foreigners, and investigations are underway. The security operation is ongoing in the city, with an active contribution from the public, who are reporting individuals they suspect.

The Ministry of Interior has issued a directive targeting undocumented foreigners, with illegal immigrants banned from accessing the state. The IS-Somalia militants are accused of destabilizing the northern state.

Among the entities targeted in the crackdown include telecommunications with all service providers cautioned against issuance of SIM cards to people without identification documents. Unregistered SIM cards will be deactivated, the ministry said.

The crackdown also targets drifters, who are now barred from occupying public spaces such as mosques, streets, and commercial centers. Also, foreigners running small businesses in Puntland have been put on notice, with those without proper registration asked to follow protocols.

A total of 15 militants have been killed in Bari region with several drones also recovered in the processes. A Yemini national is among those killed last week after he was caught planting an Improvised Explosive Device, targeting Security forces.

Recently, the State Department published a report in which ISIS militants in Somalia were termed as 'dangerous and well organized". The US warned that if actions are not taken, the group’s influence could escalate, further fuelling insecurity in northern Somalia.

Puntland is one of the safest states in Somalia, with minimal presence of terror groups. In southern regions, Al-Shabaab dominates in most of the states, with the government struggling to secure strategic towns, even with the help of foreign forces.

GAROWE ONLINE