Today, in the ongoing Hilaac Campaign against the Islamic State in Somalia (IS-Somalia aka ISIS), Puntland government forces, with the support of their allies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have conducted a series of devastating air and ground assaults on ISIS positions in the Cal-Miskaad mountains, killing at least 44 terrorists and taking full control of several key strongholds.
According to a press release issued by the Puntland Government on February 20, 2025, the operations targeted areas surrounding Togga-Jeceel, a rugged and remote valley that has long been a haven for ISIS militants. The ground assault, carried out by Puntland’s elite Counter-Terrorism Unit, resulted in the deaths of more than 15 foreign ISIS fighters, while the UAE-led airstrikes killed an additional 29 militants in the villages of Damdamaale and Togga-Damdamaale.
The successful operation marks a significant milestone in the Hillaac Campaign, which was launched in early 2025 with the goal of completely eradicating ISIS from Puntland’s territory. Since then, Puntland forces have been engaged in a grueling and complex battle against the extremist group, fighting in some of the most challenging and inhospitable terrain in the region.
The Last ISIS Stronghold
The Cal-Miskaad mountains, located in the northeastern part of Puntland, have long been a stronghold for ISIS. The rugged and remote terrain, characterized by steep cliffs, narrow valleys, and dense vegetation, has provided a natural refuge for militants seeking to evade detection and launch attacks on civilian and military targets.
ISIS has used the Cal-Miskaad mountains as a base of operations for its terrorist activities in Puntland and beyond. The group has established a network of camps, training facilities, and supply routes in the region, allowing it to sustain its operations and attract new recruits from across the Horn of Africa and beyond.
The presence of ISIS in the Cal-Miskaad mountains has posed a significant threat to the security and stability of Puntland and the wider region. The group has launched numerous attacks on civilian and military targets, including the capital city of Garowe, and has sought to impose its brutal and extremist ideology on local communities through a campaign of violence and intimidation.
Given the strategic importance of the Cal-Miskaad mountains, the success of the Hillaac Campaign in dislodging ISIS from its strongholds in the region is a major blow to the group’s operational capabilities and a significant step towards restoring peace and security in Puntland.
The UAE has been a key partner for Puntland in its fight against ISIS and other extremist groups operating in the region. The Gulf state has provided significant military and intelligence support to Puntland forces, including training, equipment, and logistical assistance.
In the latest operation, the UAE played a crucial role in providing air support to Puntland’s ground forces, carrying out targeted airstrikes on ISIS positions in the villages of Damdamaale and Togga-Damdamaale. The strikes, which killed 29 militants, were carried out with precision and care to avoid civilian casualties, according to the Puntland Government.
