Puntland Minister Says ISIS Generated $10 Million Through Illicit Gold and Charcoal Trade  

Puntland Minister of Enviroment and Climate Change Mohamed Abdirahman - FILE photo

GAROWE, Somalia — Foreign fighters from Syria, Turkey, Morocco, South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya have infiltrated Puntland in recent years, but their attempts to recruit local Somalis have met with limited success, Puntland’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Mohamed Abdirahman Farole, said.

The minister, who also played a key role in founding the Puntland Marine Police Force (PMPF), said the extremist group ISIS has relied on a network of illicit activities to fund its terror operations in the coastal Bari region.

“ISIS used protection rackets, illegal gold mining, and charcoal smuggling to generate at least $10 million every month,” Mohamed told The Washington Times, noting that these funds have been channeled to support terrorist operations in Mozambique and other countries in the region. 

The minister made the remarks in an interview with The Washington Times after issuing a video on December 6, responding to a recent remark by U.S. President Donald Trump referring to Somalis as “garbage,” a comment that drew disappointment in Somalia.

He said that Puntland has made significant gains against ISIS since the launch of the Hilaac operation in the Al-Miskaad mountains in December 2024. Puntland defense forces have killed hundreds of fighters, including foreign militants, and captured several ISIS leaders alive.

“Our forces have dealt a decisive blow to ISIS in major combat operations, weakening their networks and disrupting their recruitment efforts,” he said.

Despite the small number of local recruits, the minister warned that the presence of foreign fighters still poses a growing security threat to Puntland and the wider Horn of Africa region. “We are working closely with Somali national forces and international partners to disrupt these networks and prevent further recruitment,” he added.

Puntland authorities have stepped up coastal patrols and monitoring of smuggling routes, particularly those used for charcoal exports, which have long been a source of revenue for armed groups. Farole emphasized that combating the financing mechanisms of extremist groups is as critical as neutralizing their fighters.

International partners, including the United States and the UAE, continue to support Puntland defense forces with airstrikes, intelligence sharing, training, and logistical assistance to counter the threat of ISIS and Al-Shabaab against Somalia and East Africa.

GAROWE ONLINE