Mogadishu, Somalia — In a significant escalation of military operations against Islamic State (IS) insurgents, Somali forces have successfully neutralized multiple extremists and taken control of several strategic positions in Puntland, a semi-autonomous region in northern Somalia. This latest offensive underscores an ongoing effort to thwart IS activities, which, while smaller in scale compared to the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabaab, represent a burgeoning threat in the region.
According to military sources, the recent operation targeted IS strongholds nestled in the Cal Miskat mountains within the Bari region. The offensive led to the seizure of eight key military outposts, including a major base used by the militants. During these raids, Somali security forces engaged hostile forces entrenched in mountainous terrains, achieving pivotal victories against the jihadists.
“The operation was a calculated assault on IS facilities, where we successfully dismantled their capabilities by capturing their strongholds and eliminating several militants, including some foreign fighters,” a Puntland army spokesperson stated. Additionally, the forces managed to intercept and neutralize about nine drones laden with explosives, which were intended for use against the army by the militants.
The operation has been marked by intense engagements, particularly around areas where IS fighters had fortified their positions. Ahmed Rage, a commander involved in the frontline fighting, reported that the militants had holed up in a cave system, making the operation particularly challenging. Despite this, the security forces are reported to have made significant inroads into dismantling IS’s operational bases in the area.
The ongoing counterterrorism efforts in Somalia are part of a broader regional strategy to curtail the spread of IS influence, which has seen a disturbing rise in neighboring countries such as Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The United Nations has previously highlighted the escalating threat posed by IS affiliates in these areas, pointing to a coordinated pattern of increased insurgent activity.
Experts note that IS operations in Somalia are being orchestrated by Abdul Qadir Mumin, a Puntland native who has risen to prominence within the global jihadist hierarchy. “Abdul Qadir Mumin remains a critical figure in the network, commanding considerable influence across IS’s branches,” explained Tore Hamming, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation.
The strategic significance of the recent victories against IS cannot be understated, given the group’s intent to expand its foothold not only in Somalia but across East Africa. Counter-terrorism operations such as these are crucial in destabilizing the capabilities of insurgent groups, thereby preventing them from regrouping and launching further attacks.
As the Somali military continues its offensive, the successes in Puntland could provide a blueprint for counter-insurgency operations elsewhere, potentially leading to a sustained decline in jihadist activities in the region. However, experts caution that the fight against IS requires a continuous, multi-faceted approach involving intelligence sharing, military readiness, and regional cooperation to ensure lasting peace and security in East Africa.