Puntland Forces Gear Up for Final Assault on ISIS After Crushing Militant Strongholds

BOSASO, Somalia - After a series of victories against the ISIS militants within the treacherous Cal-Miskaad mountains, the Puntland forces are in preparations for the final assault against the fighters, whose capabilities have been significantly reduced.

The ISIS militants have suffered immense setbacks, with the majority of foreign fighters either surrendering or suffering casualties within the frontlines. Caves and bases established by the group have been destroyed, showcasing the significance of the battles.

Besides the Puntland forces, the US Africa Command and the United Arab Emirates forces have played a huge role in the destruction of the bases, with aerial surveillance being a major boost within the last three months. President Donald Trump acknowledged the milestone made.

Even though the federal government of Somalia has given little or insufficient support to the operations, the Puntland forces are optimistic that the final assault shall yield the intended results, including but not limited to conquering remaining bases.

"Final preparations by our brave forces are underway to complete phase three of the operation to eliminate ISIS terrorists from the Almiskat mountains. We’ve warned nomadic communities to avoid operation zones and areas where fleeing terrorists may hide," Puntland forces said.

Commanders drawn from various fighting units took the forces through the nature and complexities of the final assault, on Sunday, but the clear road map for execution remains a top secret within the military, allies, and government officials.

Nomad communities within the range have been advised to retreat to reduce levels of confusion as the forces use modern technology to track and designate areas where airstrikes would be important.

"Major operations and airstrikes targeting fleeing ISIS terrorists to begin soon. Nomadic communities in the Calmiskaad Mountains are urged to vacate areas near operation zones and escape routes within 24 hours for their safety," read the statement.

"We are closely monitoring attempts by fleeing ISIS terrorists to blend in with the civilian nomadic population to escape aerial and ground operations. Therefore, we urge our nomadic citizens to avoid the operational areas within the next 24 hours."

This week would mark the beginning of the important last stretch in the fight against ISIS militants with Puntland expected to declare victory within a short period. President Said Abdullahi Deni has previously toured and encouraged those fighting on the frontlines.

The US Africa command said it killed one ISIS member in an airstrike in Calmiskaad mountains on April 11.

GAROWE ONLINE