In a powerful display of military might and resolve, Puntland has completed the preparation of thousands of forces for a major offensive against the Islamic State in Somalia (IS-Somalia) and Al-Shabab. The campaign, codenamed Hilac, which means “Lightning” in Somali, aims to dislodge the terrorist groups from their mountain hideouts and restore peace and stability to the region.
The impressive array of forces, which includes the Puntland Defense Forces (also known as the Darawish), the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF), and the Counter-Terrorism Police, was paraded in the town of Dharjaale in the Bari region, showcasing thousands of well-trained and heavily armed security personnel, along with hundreds of technicals (armed pickup trucks).
What sets the Hilac campaign apart is that it is being conducted entirely by Puntland, without any foreign involvement in the planning and logistics. This is a testament to the region’s growing military capabilities and its determination to take the lead in the fight against terrorism within its borders.
Puntland has long been a target for terrorist groups seeking to establish a foothold in the Horn of Africa. IS-Somalia and Al-Shabab have both managed to carve out tiny hideouts in the region’s remote mountainous areas, from which they have launched attacks on civilians and security forces alike.
In response to this threat, Puntland has been working tirelessly to build up its security forces and develop the capabilities needed to take the fight to the terrorists. The Hilac campaign represents the culmination of these efforts, and a major milestone in the region’s quest for peace and stability.
The Puntland Model
What makes Puntland’s approach to counter-terrorism unique is its emphasis on self-reliance and local ownership. Unlike many other regions in Somalia, which have been heavily dependent on foreign assistance and intervention, Puntland has sought to develop its own capabilities and resources to address the challenges it faces.
This has involved significant investments in training and equipping its security forces, as well as building strong partnerships with local communities and civil society organizations. Puntland has also been proactive in engaging with friendly countries to coordinate efforts and share intelligence.
The result is a security apparatus that is deeply rooted in the local context and enjoys broad public support. This local ownership and legitimacy is critical to the success of any counter-terrorism campaign, as it ensures that the fight against extremism is not seen as an external imposition. The forces participating in the Hilac campaign, therefore, are not seen as foreign occupiers or proxies, but as the defenders of Puntland’s people and interests.
The Situation in Southern Somalia
The contrast between Puntland’s proactive and locally-driven approach to counter-terrorism and the situation in southern Somalia could not be starker. While Puntland is mobilizing its forces for a major offensive against IS-Somalia and Al-Shabab, the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) in Mogadishu remains mired in political infighting and internal power struggles.
The FGS has been consumed by a bitter dispute with the Jubaland regional administration, which has seen the deployment of Somali National Army (SNA) forces to the border region in an attempt to dislodge the Jubaland leadership. This misguided campaign has not only diverted resources and attention away from the fight against Al-Shabab, but has also undermined the FGS’s legitimacy and credibility in the eyes of many Somalis.
Meanwhile, Al-Shabab has been left largely unchecked in southern Somalia, where it continues to control significant swathes of territory and launch deadly attacks on civilians and security forces. The group has exploited the political chaos and divisions within the FGS to consolidate its position and expand its influence, particularly in rural areas where government presence is weak or non-existent.
The lack of a coherent and effective strategy to counter Al-Shabab in southern Somalia is a major concern not only for the region, but for the entire country and the wider Horn of Africa. The group’s ability to operate freely and with impunity in such a strategically important part of the country poses a significant threat to regional stability and security.
