In a remarkable advancement against the Islamic State in Somalia (IS-Somalia aka ISIS), Puntland forces have captured six additional strategic wells and uncovered vast food storage caves in the Hobato, Il, and Ameyra areas. These gains, part of the ongoing Hilac (Lightning) campaign, have disrupted IS-Somalia’s logistical networks and denied the group critical resources vital for its operations. However, Puntland’s government has underscored these achievements against the backdrop of what it calls a complete absence of support from the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS).
Puntland’s Offensive: Gains Without FGS Support
The Puntland government, while celebrating its successes, has issued a strong statement rejecting the FGS’s involvement in the broader counter-terrorism effort. According to Puntland officials, the FGS is incapable of contributing meaningfully to the fight against IS-Somalia or Al-Shabaab due to pervasive infiltration within its security apparatus. The statement accused the FGS of harboring defectors and integrating individuals with ties to extremist groups into its security forces, further undermining any potential collaboration.
“The FGS has turned a blind eye to the real threats facing Somalia,” the statement reads. “Instead of addressing extremism, it has prioritized political games and empowered individuals who claim to have ‘surrendered,’ only to embed them into its military and government institutions.”
Puntland officials also pointed to specific instances where former Al-Shabaab leaders were elevated to ministerial positions, calling this a betrayal of the sacrifices made by frontline regions like Puntland.
Despite these challenges, Puntland forces have pushed forward with their campaign, focusing on areas long dominated by IS-Somalia, including key supply routes and strongholds. The discovery of food stockpiles and the denial of water resources marks a turning point in the campaign, forcing IS-Somalia into an increasingly precarious position.
Strategic Importance of Water and Food Control
In northern Somalia’s arid terrain, access to water and food determines not only survival but also political and military power. IS-Somalia has relied on wells and hidden food caches to sustain its fighters and exert control over local populations. By seizing these resources, Puntland has disrupted the group’s ability to operate effectively and maintain its grip on the region.
These successes have not come easily. IS-Somalia has relied heavily on improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to slow Puntland’s advance, and while direct confrontations have been limited, the group continues to pose a significant threat. The captured food stores, containing hundreds of sacks of provisions, are believed to have been stockpiled to sustain IS-Somalia’s fighters during prolonged operations. Their loss deals a critical blow to the group’s logistics and moral
Puntland’s government has framed the fight against IS-Somalia as a global problem, calling for greater international support to combat the group’s expanding reach. Officials emphasized that IS-Somalia is the logistical hub for ISIS in the region.
Context
Puntland’s recent gains also highlight the broader dysfunction in Somalia’s approach to counter-terrorism. The FGS, accused of focusing more on political rivalries than on addressing extremist threats, has failed to extend meaningful support to regions bearing the brunt of the fight against IS-Somalia and Al-Shabaab.
The Puntland government’s criticism underscores a growing divide within Somalia’s federal structure, with regional administrations increasingly taking independent action in the absence of coordination or support from Mogadishu. As Puntland continues to make strides against IS-Somalia, it does so under challenging circumstances, balancing limited resources with the pressing need to protect its territory and people.
Puntland’s campaign against IS-Somalia is a testament to the resilience and determination of its forces, even in the face of limited support from the FGS. By capturing critical resources and disrupting the group’s logistics, Puntland has shown that progress is possible through disciplined and focused action. However, the larger fight against extremism in Somalia will require a united national effort and sustained international support. Without these, Puntland’s gains risk being overshadowed by broader instability and the persistent threat of extremism spreading beyond Somalia’s borders.
