ISIS militants caged in Puntland as operation enters final phase

BOSASO, Somalia - The recent airstrikes in Puntland, powered by the US Africa Command, left at least five militants dead, the military said, reaffirming support for the local troops who are actively involved in counterterrorism operations in the Cal-Miskaad mountains.

According to reports, the airstrikes waged on Saturday with Baallade Valley in Cal-Miskaad struck the militants, killing five of them instantly. The operation has entered the final phase as officials plan the final assault.

Troops had struggled to locate even a small group of five militants in one place. If confirmed, this suggests the fighters have now been cornered in an area and surrounded by security forces. But what is surprising is that there have been no sightings of their top leaders.

The airstrike was initiated at the Barakalah area of Baalade Valley in the Cal-Miskaad mountains and was carried out by Puntland’s U.S. partners. Both the US Africa Command and the United Arab Emirates forces have worked closely with local troops.

For months now, several fighters have been killed, with dozens surrendering to security forces, signalling an impending victory for the troops conducting operations. The US Africa Command is giving aerial support, but the Somali National Army has largely remained inactive in northern Somalia.

Somalia is battling the violent extremist groups, and there is a general feeling that the government has done badly in delivering results. Analysts believe that the fight against Al-Shabaab and ISIS militants may take a little longer.

GAROWE ONLINE