In the ongoing Hilac Campaign against the Islamic State in Somalia (IS-Somalia aka ISIS), Puntland forces have today successfully cleared the extremist group from several key strongholds in the Al-Miskad Mountains, including Dhabancado, Digaale, and Kaadile. The operation, which involved intense fighting and the use of sophisticated equipment, has dealt a decisive blow to IS-Somalia’s operational capabilities and has significantly reduced the group’s ability to operate in the region.
According to military sources, Puntland forces engaged in heavy combat with ISIS fighters in the rugged terrain of the Al-Miskad Mountains, using a combination of ground troops and specialized units to dislodge the militants from their well-entrenched positions. The fighting was intense and prolonged, with ISIS fighters putting up stiff resistance and employing a range of tactics, including the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and small arms fire.
Despite the challenges posed by the terrain and the determined resistance of the IS-Somalia fighters, Puntland forces were able to make steady progress in clearing the area. The successful operation is a testament to the growing capabilities and professionalism of Puntland’s security forces, who have demonstrated their ability to take on a determined and well-armed adversary in some of the most challenging conditions in Somalia.
Captured Equipment
In a show of force and a demonstration of the effectiveness of the Hilac Campaign, Puntland forces displayed the bodies of several ISIS fighters killed in the operation, as well as a range of captured equipment, including drones and weapons.
The captured equipment, which included several small drones and a variety of small arms and ammunition, provides a glimpse into the sophistication and capabilities of IS-Somalia’s operations in the region. The use of drones, in particular, highlights the group’s ability to adapt to new technologies and to use them for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and potentially even attacks.
The fact that Puntland forces were able to capture this equipment intact is a significant achievement in itself, as it will provide valuable intelligence on ISIS’s tactics, capabilities, and networks. Puntland’s security forces will be able to gain a better understanding of the group’s operations and to develop more effective strategies for countering its activities.
The display of the captured equipment and the bodies of the IS-Somalia fighters is also an important psychological victory for Puntland forces. By publicly showcasing their successes and demonstrating their ability to take on and defeat the extremist group, Puntland is sending a powerful message to both its own population and to the wider region about its commitment to fighting terrorism and promoting stability.
