The Islamic State in Somalia (ISIS-Somalia aka ISIS) has suffered significant setbacks in recent days, as U.S. airstrikes and Puntland forces’ ground operations have inflicted heavy casualties on the extremist group in the mountainous regions of Bari, Puntland. The successful operations mark a turning point in the ongoing fight against ISIS in the region and underscore the importance of sustained pressure and coordination among local, regional, and international actors in the battle against extremism.
Today, the United States conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS positions in the Buruc area of the Al-Miskad Mountains, a rugged and remote region that has long been a stronghold for the group. According to a statement released by the White House on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the strikes killed “dozens” of ISIS fighters, dealing a significant blow to the group’s operational capabilities in the area.
Puntland officials later confirmed the impact of the strikes, estimating that between 40 and 60 ISIS fighters had been killed in the operation. The officials praised the precision and effectiveness of the U.S. airstrikes, noting that they had hit their intended targets without causing any civilian casualties or collateral damage.
The U.S. airstrikes came just a day after Puntland forces launched their own operation against ISIS militants in the area north of Xabley, another key location in the group’s insurgency. In a series of clashes and raids, Puntland troops managed to kill four ISIS fighters and capture several others, further degrading the group’s ability to operate in the region.
Puntland Forces’ Operations
While the U.S. airstrikes have grabbed headlines and attracted international attention, the role of Puntland forces in the fight against ISIS should not be overlooked. Puntland, a semi-autonomous region in northeastern Somalia, has been at the forefront of efforts to combat extremism and terrorism in the country, and its security forces have played a crucial role in degrading the capabilities of both ISIS and Al-Shabab.
In recent months, Puntland forces have launched a series of operations against ISIS positions in the Al-Miskad Mountains and other parts of Bari region, as part of the Hilaac Campaign. These operations have included ground raids, ambushes, and clearing operations, as well as efforts to cut off the group’s supply lines and disrupt its logistics networks.
The recent operation north of Xabley, in which Puntland forces killed four ISIS fighters and captured several others, is a prime example of the effectiveness of these efforts. By taking the fight to the militants in their own terrain, Puntland forces have been able to keep them on the defensive and limit their ability to launch attacks on civilian and military targets.
Puntland forces have also been working to build relationships with local communities in the affected areas, seeking to gain their trust and support in the fight against extremism. This has included efforts to provide basic services and security, as well as to promote reconciliation and dialogue between different clans and factions.
These efforts have been crucial in denying ISIS and other extremist groups the ability to exploit local grievances and tensions, and in building a more resilient and unified front against the threat of terrorism.
