Boosaaso, (Idil News) – Puntland’s armed forces disclosed the deaths of 26 Islamic State (ISIS) fighters, including a woman, in a significant military operation conducted on Monday in the semi-autonomous Puntland state. The operation targeted eight extremist outposts in the Al-Miskat mountains of the Bari region, according to Puntland military officials.
The clash began at approximately 8 a.m. near the Dhabancad valley, about 13 km from Balidhidhin district, with an explosion followed by mortar fire and drone attacks aimed at Puntland forces, as stated by General Mohamed Mahmoud Ahmed, Puntland’s military spokesman.
During the intense clashes, Puntland forces seized control of key militant positions, including Awaydi, Wacariyaad, Salnafeed, and Kaadilay, which were part of ISIS’s network in the area. The operation resulted in the capture of six bases from ISIS-S, significantly disrupting their operations in Bilidhidin, Gubad, and Dhaban-Cado.
General Ahmed detailed that the fighting involved the downing of nine explosive-laden drones launched by ISIS in an attempt to counter the offensive. “The security forces took control of eight IS military outposts including a major one in the Al-Miskat mountains; several gunmen including foreign fighters had been killed in the military operations,” he told VOA.
Four foreign fighters (ISIS), including a woman who spoke Amharic during the wound after which she died; a language she has spoken is the Ethiopian official language, were initially killed in the area.
The operation was not without cost for Puntland; two soldiers were killed and three others wounded when their vehicle struck an explosive device. Despite this, the focus remains on advancing into key ISIS hideouts, with efforts to completely flush out remaining militants.
The Puntland forces have also managed to capture substantial supplies, including food, medicine, and weapons, which has dealt a significant logistical blow to ISIS’s capabilities in the area. The resistance from ISIS has reportedly been weak, with indications that the militants are retreating deeper into the mountains due to low morale and the sustained pressure from Puntland forces.
This offensive is part of a broader campaign This offensive was part of a larger campaign named “Hillaac (Blitz),” which has reportedly inflicted heavy losses on ISIS, with operations resulting in the capture of key logistical bases like the Lugule Valley. Puntland forces have also engaged in intense battles involving IEDs, kamikaze drones, and other sophisticated tactics. This effort is part of a broader campaign by Puntland against both Al-Shabaab and ISIS, foregrounding the state’s forces’ commitment to completely eradicating terrorism from their territory without the involvement of the Somali Federal Government or international partners.
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From Telegram Puntland Counter-Terrorism Operations
Published and reported by 𝕯𝖗. 𝐗𝐈𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐆, security expert and HoA analyst.
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