Puntland forces kill over 40 militants in major blow to ISIS
The Daraawiish forces recaptured key positions, including strategic command posts previously held by the terror group.
Puntland Defence Forces have killed more than 40 members of the Islamic State (ISIS) fighters during a targeted operation in the Togga Miiraale area, officials confirmed on Saturday.
The offensive, part of Operation Hillaac, has been ongoing for over 24 hours in the Calmiskaad mountain range, targeting remnants of the ISIS-affiliated group who were hiding in natural fortifications.
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The Daraawiish forces recaptured key positions, including strategic command posts previously held by the terror group.
The offensive marks the third phase of an ongoing campaign aimed at uprooting ISIS strongholds in the mountainous Bari region of northern Somalia. The assault was conducted in collaboration with US Africa Command and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which provided crucial aerial surveillance support.
“Our forces dealt a decisive blow to the terrorists, clearing key command sites and reclaiming strategic ground,” said General Mohamed Mohamud Faadhigo, the operation’s spokesperson. “Togga Miiraale had long served as one of their last major refuges.”
The strike not only decimated ISIS positions but also thwarted a planned suicide bombing targeting a Puntland military base in the remote Cal-Miskaad mountain range. Officials highlighted the challenging terrain, with its deep gorges and steep ridges, which has long provided a haven for militants.
Turning point
Despite the geographical hurdles, military leaders hailed the operation as a turning point. “Togga Miiraale will be remembered as the place where ISIS met its final defeat in Somalia,” one senior commander was quoted by Garowe Online. “This is a significant step towards restoring lasting security in the region.”
Puntland’s campaign to drive out ISIS from Bari is seen as critical to securing Bosaso, the region’s commercial hub along the Indian Ocean coastline. The State Department has previously warned that ISIS continues to pose a serious threat to Somalia’s long-term stability.
Puntland, the semi-autonomous region in northeastern Somalia, continues to assert its role as a key force in the fight against terrorism, with its security forces delivering sustained blows to both ISIS and Al-Shabab militants in recent months.
Under the banner of the ongoing Hilaac Campaign, Puntland’s forces have launched a series of decisive operations targeting ISIS strongholds in the Al-Miskad Mountains and across the wider Bari region. These efforts have involved strategic ground raids, surprise ambushes, and aggressive clearing operations designed to dismantle militant hideouts and sever vital supply chains.
A recent operation north of Xabley stands out as a testament to this strategy’s effectiveness. During the mission, Puntland troops killed four ISIS fighters and captured several others, striking deep into territory that had long provided cover for extremist factions.
“We are taking the battle directly to the militants, even in the most challenging terrain,” said a senior Puntland security official. “By keeping them on the back foot, we are preventing future attacks and restoring security to our people.”
Beyond the battlefield, Puntland’s approach has included community engagement initiatives aimed at fostering trust and cooperation in areas vulnerable to extremist influence. These efforts have seen local security forces working with clans and residents to promote reconciliation, deliver basic services, and build a united front against extremism.
“Our security is not only about defeating terrorists with weapons,” the official added. “It is also about strengthening the bond between the people and their government.”
Analysts note that by cutting off extremist groups from local support and disrupting their logistical lifelines, Puntland has significantly weakened their operational capabilities. The campaign has emerged as a model for community-based counterterrorism in a region long plagued by instability.
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