Puntland's war on the global terrorist group ISIS: What we know so far

BOSASO, Somalia - Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces have made significant gains in the fight against ISIS militants in the Al-Miskaad mountains, underscoring their commitment to the eradication of violent extremist networks within the region.

Motivated by support from the regional government under Said Abdullahi Deni, the forces displayed 57 mutilated bodies believed to be those of eliminated ISIS fighters in the Cal-Miskaad mountains, who may have died this week.

The latest operation was carried out after intelligence briefs, which identified the exact locations of the terrorists in the mountainous terrains. Security officials confirmed that the battle lasted for several hours and resulted in heavy losses for the enemy forces.

Some of the hideouts where the militants were expelled include caves between Dharin and Qurac in Toga-Jaceel during the second phase of an offensive in Al-Miskaad mountains, killing 57 fighters, including foreigners, the government said in a statement.

A senior Puntland security official confirmed that all of them were foreign fighters, with no Somalis among the dead, underscoring the rich networks of the terror group which is trying to establish permanent bases in the Horn of Africa nation.

The official stated that Puntland forces are fully committed to eliminating the terrorists who invaded their land, emphasizing that they will not stop the fight until every last militant is captured or killed.

Sadly, three brothers from the Qoryood family, serving in the Puntland forces, have tragically lost their lives in the fight against terrorists hiding in the Cal-Miskaad mountains. Their sacrifice in defending Puntland from extremism will not be forgotten, officials said.

A number of the soldiers were killed by Improvised Explosive Devices planted in some of the caves, with a few dying on the battlefield. The United States and the United Arab Emirates have also provided aerial surveillance, resulting in the death of an additional 46 militants.

US President Donald Trump pledged support in the fight against ISIS following a series of airstrikes on Saturday which targeted ISIS global leader Abdulkadir Mumin, whose fate remains unknown. The federal government has yet to offer any logistical or military support to Puntland.

GAROWE ONLINE