The Puntland Defense Forces have made major gains against the Islamic State in Somalia (IS-Somalia) group aka ISIS, capturing the strategic town of Timirshe and clearing the road to Ballidhidin. The offensive, which has been ongoing for several weeks, has dealt a severe blow to IS-Somalia’s operational capabilities in the region and has put the group on the back foot.
The successes of the Puntland Defense Forces are the result of a comprehensive and well-coordinated campaign that has combined military operations with efforts to engage and support local communities. By working closely with local elders and addressing the concerns of the population, Puntland has been able to build trust and legitimacy, which has been essential in the fight against extremism.
The Capture of Timirshe
The capture of Timirshe is perhaps the most significant achievement of the Puntland Defense Forces’ offensive. The town, which is located at the foot of the mountains which are IS-Somalia’s stronghold in the Bari region, had been a key base for the group’s operations in the area. Its capture has denied IS-Somalia a major logistical hub and has disrupted their supply lines to other parts of the region.
There was no battle for Timirshe, with IS-Somalia militants failing to put up any resistance against the advancing Puntland forces, instead fleeing up the mountains. The capture of Timirshe is a major setback for IS-Somalia, as it demonstrates the growing capabilities of the Puntland Defense Forces and their ability to take on the group in their own backyard. It also sends a powerful message to other communities in the region that Puntland is committed to rooting out extremism and restoring stability to the area.
Clearing the Road to Ballidhidin
In addition to capturing Timirshe, the Puntland Defense Forces have also made significant progress in clearing the road to Ballidhidin, another key IS-Somalia stronghold in the region. While Ballidhidin itself is held by the Puntland forces, the road, which runs through some of the most rugged and inhospitable terrain in Somalia, had been a major supply route for IS-Somalia and had allowed the group to move fighters and equipment between their various bases in the area.
The clearing of the road to Ballidhidin is a significant achievement for the Puntland Defense Forces, as it has cut off a key lifeline for IS-Somalia and has made it much more difficult for the group to operate in the region. It has also opened up new opportunities for Puntland to extend its presence and influence in the area, and to work with local communities to address the underlying drivers of radicalization and violence.
Gaining Local Support
One of the most important aspects of the Puntland Defense Forces’ recent offensive has been their efforts to engage and support local communities. In Timirshe, for example, Puntland forces met with local elders and sought their support for the ongoing operations against IS-Somalia. This approach has been critical in building trust and legitimacy with the local population, and has helped to isolate IS-Somalia from potential sources of support.
IS-Somalia remains a potent threat in the region. The group is still believed to have a significant presence in the area between Qandala and Ballidhidin, as well as in the northwestern mountains of Timirshe. These areas are some of the most remote and inaccessible in Somalia, and provide IS-Somalia with a degree of protection from military operations.
The remaining IS-Somalia fighters in these areas are likely to be some of the group’s most hardcore and committed members, and may prove difficult to dislodge. They may also attempt to regroup and launch new attacks in the region, in an effort to regain some of the territory and influence they have lost in recent weeks.
