In a significant development in the ongoing fight against the Islamic State in Somalia (IS-Somalia aka ISIS), Puntland forces have successfully captured strategic wells and water sources around the areas of Hobato, Il, and Ameyra. They have also cleared the road between Timirshe and Balidhidin, which was contested by IS-Somalia.
The offensive, which is part of the larger Hilac (Lightning) campaign, has dealt a major blow to IS-Somalia’s operational capabilities and has further restricted the group’s movements in the region.
According to military sources, Puntland troops encountered minimal resistance from IS-Somalia fighters during the operation, suggesting that the group may be struggling to maintain its grip on key terrain in the face of sustained pressure from Puntland forces. However, the offensive has not been without its challenges, as IS-Somalia has resorted to the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to target Puntland forces and slow their advance.
Strategic Importance
The capture of the wells and water sources around Hobato, Il, and Ameyra is a significant strategic victory for Puntland forces, as it denies the group access to critical resources that are essential for sustaining its operations in the region. In the arid and unforgiving terrain of northern Somalia, control over water sources is a key determinant of military success, and the loss of these assets is likely to have a significant impact on the group’s ability to operate and maintain its presence in the area.
The importance of water sources in the conflict against IS-Somalia cannot be overstated. The group has long relied on its control over key wells and water points to exert influence over local populations and to sustain its fighters during extended periods of combat. By capturing these resources, Puntland forces have denied IS-Somalia a critical lifeline.
The Campaign Against IS-Somalia
The gains made by Puntland forces in the Hobato, and Il and Ameyra areas are part of a broader campaign against IS-Somalia that has been ongoing for several weeks. The Hilac campaign, which was launched in response to growing concerns about the group’s presence and activities in Somalia, has involved a series of coordinated military operations aimed at degrading IS-Somalia’s capabilities and limiting its freedom of movement.
The campaign has been a significant undertaking for Puntland forces, which have had to navigate a complex and dynamic security environment while also grappling with the challenges of limited resources and capacity. However, the progress made so far has been encouraging, with Puntland forces successfully capturing several key IS-Somalia strongholds and forcing the group to retreat to more remote and inhospitable areas.
Despite these successes, however, the fight against IS-Somalia is far from over. The group remains present in Togga Jecel, and the Puntland forces are preparing to clear them from that stronghold deep in the mountains.
