In the ongoing fight against the Islamic State in Somalia (IS-Somalia aka ISIS), Puntland security forces have captured a significant ISIS base in Buqa Caleed, dealing a devastating blow to the extremist group’s operational capabilities in the region. The successful operation today was carried out without any resistance from ISIS fighters, who appear to have abandoned the base and fled in the face of advancing Puntland troops.
According to military sources, Puntland forces entered Buqa Caleed after receiving intelligence about the presence of a major ISIS base in the area. Upon arriving at the location, they discovered a well-fortified complex featuring concrete reinforced structures, a sophisticated cave system with defensive positions, and even rooms equipped with lighting and other amenities, suggesting that it had been used as a headquarters and command center by the group’s leadership.
The capture of Buqa Caleed is a significant milestone in the ongoing Puntland campaign against ISIS, known as the Hilac Operation, which aims to eliminate the extremist group’s presence and influence in the region. The base was believed to be one of ISIS’s main strongholds in the area, serving as a hub for its terrorist activities, training, and recruitment efforts.
ISIS’s Tactics
One of the most striking aspects of the Puntland forces’ discovery at Buqa Caleed was the presence of burned vehicles, including a cargo truck and a pickup truck, which had apparently been set ablaze by ISIS fighters before abandoning the base. This scorched earth tactic, which involves destroying resources and infrastructure to prevent them from falling into enemy hands, is a common practice among extremist groups facing imminent defeat or capture.
The fact that ISIS fighters felt compelled to destroy their own vehicles and equipment before fleeing the base suggests that they were caught off guard by the speed and effectiveness of the Puntland forces’ advance, and had little time to plan or execute a more orderly withdrawal. It also underscores the growing pressure that ISIS is facing in the region, as Puntland forces continue to make significant gains and disrupt the group’s operations.
The loss of the vehicles and other resources at Buqa Caleed is likely to have a significant impact on ISIS’s ability to move fighters and supplies across the region, as well as its capacity to carry out attacks and maintain a presence in the area. This, in turn, could further degrade the group’s morale and cohesion, making it more vulnerable to future military operations and defections.
