Somalia: Puntland Forces Arrest 300 Foreign ISIS Suspects in Ongoing Operation

BOSASO, Somalia - The Security forces of Puntland state have arrested 300 suspected ISIS militants of foreign nationalities as Operation Lightning enters the third week, registering significant successes, following the liberation of several strategic towns.

The suspects have been detained for further interrogation, with members of the public playing a major role in reporting individuals whose identities are questionable, officials said while acknowledging the immediate positive impact of the operation.

Mohamud Dirir, Puntland’s minister for information, said the troops have 'dedicated their lives' to peace in Puntland, noting that such commitment would change the fortunes of the entire Horn of Africa region.

According to Dirir, the ongoing conflict in Puntland is unique to the federal state, paralleled only by the war in Ukraine where foreign fighters are heavily involved as they try to infiltrate the region, which is the most secure in Somalia.

"The battle here is being fought with advanced technology, including sniper rifles, night-vision-equipped guns, and drones," Dirir said. He added that the region is currently engaged in combating foreign ISIS fighters, who want to establish a permanent base in the country.

Some of the fighters are believed to have originated from Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, and Algeria. They were previously defeated in Syria and Libya and have massive international support, he added.

"We have cleared them from a 300-kilometer stretch in Al-Miskaad mountains," he noted while assuring members of the public that the state would be secured in due course.

Already, the Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces have taken control of locations that served as bases for ISIS Terrorists. These areas include Waadi-soor, Ina Ciddoole, Damal Cagagubyo, Diibow, Qaaqsiiye, Daad, Dal Lo’aad, and Isha Siido, the team said in a text message published on the X platform.

Reports say the security forces are investigating the visas and personal details of foreigners residing in the capital. Nearly 100 people are currently under investigation, while a larger number have already been verified. The public has taken some individuals to the Police stations, police said.

GAROWE ONLINE