As the Hilac campaign against the Islamic State in Somalia (IS-Somalia aka ISIS) enters its most critical phase, Puntland is marshaling its forces for what is expected to be a decisive battle in the Togga Jecel area, where hundreds of ISIS fighters from at least 15 countries are said to be preparing to make their last stand. In a significant boost to the campaign, a new batch of 500 highly trained commandos from the Puntland Defense Forces (PDF) graduated today in Bosaso, ready to be deployed to the front lines and join the fight against the extremist group.
The graduation ceremony, which was attended by senior government and military officials, including Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, marked the culmination of months of rigorous training and preparation for the elite unit. According to security sources, the newly graduated commandos have been specifically trained in mountainous and asymmetric warfare, and are equipped with advanced weapons and equipment such as anti-drone and IED jammers to take on the challenging terrain and well-fortified positions of the ISIS fighters in Togga Jecel.
The deployment of the new commandos comes at a critical juncture in the Hilac campaign, as Puntland forces have been steadily closing in on the last remaining ISIS strongholds in the region. In recent weeks, the PDF and other security forces have made significant gains against the extremist group, capturing key strategic positions and cutting off their supply lines and escape routes. However, the fight is far from over, as ISIS fighters are heavily entrenched in a series of fortified positions and caves in the Togga Jecel area, and are preparing to make a desperate last stand.
The Threat of Foreign Fighters
One of the most concerning aspects of the looming battle in Togga Jecel is the reported presence of the large number of foreign fighters among the ISIS ranks. According to Puntland security sources, hundreds of militants from more than 15 countries have converged on the area in recent months, drawn by the group’s propaganda and the prospect of martyrdom in what they see as a final battle against the “crusader forces”.
The presence of so many foreign fighters is a significant security threat not just for Puntland, but for the entire region and beyond. Many of these fighters are believed to have extensive combat experience and specialized skills, having fought in other conflict zones such as Syria, Iraq, and Libya. They also bring with them a level of ideological commitment and fanaticism that can make them even more dangerous and unpredictable than local recruits.
Moreover, the concentration of foreign fighters in Togga Jecel raises concerns about the potential for the area to become a hub for international terrorism and a launching pad for attacks against other countries in the region and beyond. If left unchecked, the ISIS presence in Puntland could attract even more foreign fighters and resources, and potentially inspire copycat groups and lone wolf attacks in other parts of Africa and the world.
The New Commandos
The graduation and deployment of the new batch of PDF commandos is therefore a critical development in the fight against ISIS in Puntland. These highly trained and well-equipped soldiers represent the tip of the spear in the Hilac campaign, and will be at the forefront of the effort to dislodge the extremist group from its last remaining strongholds in Togga Jecel.
The commandos have undergone extensive training in a range of specialized skills, including mountaineering, sniping, explosives handling, and close-quarters combat. They have also been drilled in the use of advanced weapons and equipment, such as night vision goggles, thermal imaging devices, counter drone and counter IEDs, and high-powered assault rifles, which will be essential in taking on the well-armed and entrenched ISIS fighters.
Perhaps most importantly, the commandos have been trained to operate in small, highly mobile units that can navigate the challenging terrain and launch surprise attacks on enemy positions. This kind of asymmetric warfare is particularly well-suited to the mountainous and cave-riddled landscape of Togga Jecel, where conventional military tactics and heavy equipment may be less effective.
The deployment of the new commandos also sends a powerful message to the ISIS fighters and their supporters, both in Puntland and beyond. It demonstrates the resolve and capability of the Puntland security forces to take on the extremist group and protect the country’s citizens and interests. It also serves as a warning to other would-be terrorists and foreign fighters that Puntland is not a safe haven for their activities, and that they will be met with the full force of the law and the military.
