Puntland forces record major victories against ISIS in Somalia

Puntland Forces have captured a key ISIS command base, a training centre and bomb-making capabilities as well as a dozen armed drones some of which were brought down in a fierce fighting that has so far killed over 40 terrorists deep inside a rugged mountain where forces are battling a resurgent ISIS militant in Puntland State of Somalia.

Speaking to The Eastleigh Voice from the epicentre of the ongoing operation 'hilaac' or lightening in Dhaban-Ado village of Bali Didin district in Bari region, Puntland Forces Spokesperson Gen. Mohamed Mahamud Ahmed (Faadhigo) said the operation will continue until their objective of ridding ISIS from Puntland State is achieved.

"Puntland Forces on Wednesday captured key enemy bases that include the biggest ISIS operational base deep in caves under a mountain in Dhaba-Ado area where we found a training centre, bomb-making materials as well as more drones some of which were armed," Gen. Faadhigo told The Eastleigh Voice.

More radical

He said, unlike Al-Shabaab terrorists, ISIS militants are more radical and prefer dying than being captured alive which makes them more dangerous and unpredictable. He urged the world to support the ongoing efforts in eradicating terrorism which knows no borders.

"We have been fighting terrorists like Al-Shabaab for a long time, but we have never seen such daring and audacious militants like these ISIS fighters. They don't surrender and each of them is riddled with explosives, they also arm drones and use all kinds of materials to make bombs. They are very dangerous, but we are determined to clear them. So far, we have neutralised more than 40, many of whom are foreigners from the Middle East and other African countries," the Spokesperson added.

He said the militants have mined roads slowing down the force's advancement but that despite the hurdles and booby traps planted by the terrorists, Puntland forces have so far cleared ISIS from a 150 km area of mountainous region and deep caves, often difficult terrains for forces to capture.

"The fighting here is one-on-one and if it was not for the bravery of our forces these major victories recorded would not have been possible. This is war and there are casualties on both sides but for us, any loss or injuries is for our country, and we don't consider it as a loss," he added when pressed to give their sides casualties.

VIP showers

Images and videos shared online by forces from the frontlines show soldiers going deep into caves inside the Almiskaad mountains.

The so-called ISIS command centre had more comfortable quarters including even a shower expertly constructed with a water tank half buried while the VIP bathrooms were inside the cave. The militants use underground hideouts to shield away from aerial bombardment and surveillance drones.

Since their fallout in Syria, ISIS militants are believed to have flocked down to Somalia to join their leader Sheikh Abdulkadir Mumin who took over the reins following the death of the leaders in Syria and Iraq.

"There are so many foreign ISIS fighters who over the last few months have silently sneaked into Puntland. Sheikh Abdikadir Mumin is their leader. Now they are on the run, and we are after them," he added.

A United Nations Arms Monitoring Group report of November 2024 said that ISIS foreign fighters have been flocking to Somalia. The report said the foreigners were coming from at least six countries, namely Syria, Yemen, Ethiopia, Sudan, Morocco and Tanzania.

US officials are also on record warning against the increasing ISIS threat in Somalia. Washington supports Puntland forces in the fight against ISIS as well as Al-Shabaab in the south.