Puntland’s counterterrorism unit kills 13 Islamic State fighters in Calmiskaad mountains
The airstrike is part of a broader effort by Puntland security forces, who have been actively liberating vast areas from ISIS control for more than a month.
Puntland security forces have reported eliminating more than 13 foreign fighters affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS) during an intense 24-hour operation.
The counterterrorism unit confirmed the operation's success on Monday in a statement that also disclosed the regions that were targeted.
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"The Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces have once again defeated the ISIS terrorists in direct combat. The battle took place in the Haraaryo area, Toga-Jaceel, in the Calmiskaad mountains," read a post from the unit.
The unit further divulged the number of casualties while also confirming the discovery of abandoned ISIS bases.
"The airstrike operation in the last 24 hours has killed more than 13 foreign ISIS terrorists in the Dhasaq area, which is also part of the Calmiskaad mountain range," the unit noted.
Although the identity of the country responsible for the airstrike remains undisclosed, the operation follows reports from US Africa Command (AFRICOM), which recently confirmed conducting airstrikes against ISIS operatives in Somalia in collaboration with Somali authorities.
The airstrike is part of a broader effort by Puntland security forces, who have been actively liberating vast areas from ISIS control for more than a month.
While delivering the update, the unit also expressed gratitude to Puntland’s Vice President Ilyas Osman Lugatoor for visiting the officers injured during the operation.
"Thank you, our Vice President H.E. Lugatoor, for your visit and solidarity with our military officers who were injured during the operation to eliminate ISIS terrorists and are now receiving treatment in Addis Ababa," the unit said.
Over the years, Somalia has been burdened by insecurity, with terrorist groups such as Al-Shabaab and ISIS posing formidable threats to peace and development.
Since 2007, these terrorists have been fighting the federal government of Somalia with autonomous states like Puntland bearing the brunt. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has also experienced several casualties.
The successes of the Puntland counterterrorism unit mark a significant step toward restoring security in the region.
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