Puntland Plans Major Military Offensive Against ISIS in Bari and Sanaag Mountains

Garowe (Idil News) – Puntland authorities are gearing up for a significant military operation aimed at eradicating ISIS-affiliated militants entrenched in the mountainous regions of Bari and Sanaag, according to Director Timirre Anchor, head of Afmeer Media, the Puntland government’s counterterrorism platform. 

The operation, expected to commence in the coming days, presumably will focus on militant strongholds in the Al-Miskaad and Golis mountain ranges. These areas have long provided strategic shelter for the ISIS province in Somalia, allowing them to regroup and recruit new fighters.

“Elite troops equipped with advanced weaponry have been mobilized to dismantle these militant cells,” Timirre stated, and emphasized the government’s determination to neutralize the threat.

Summary Report on Puntland’s Planned Military Operation Against ISIS

Director Timirre Anchor, the head of the Afmeer Media – a counterterrorism media organization established by the Puntland government in 2016 to report on efforts to combat and eradicate terrorism – shared… pic.twitter.com/ICnnZ7cMDY

— Othman A. Mohamud (@othmun1) November 30, 2024

Rising Tensions and Persistent Threats

This announcement follows months of escalating clashes between Al-Shabaab militant groups and ISIS (aka Daesh) that included improvised explosive devices (IED) and direct combat between two militants. While Puntland being monitored closely, The ISIS has managed to cut off Al-Shabaab’s influence in the region. The militant faction has remained resilient   leveraging the challenging terrain and external logistical support to sustain its activities. 

Historically,   Puntland has demonstrated a strong capability to repel insurgent threats. In 2016,  Puntland forces swiftly defeated an Al-Shabaab coastal invasion in Mudug and Nugal, inflicting significant casualties on the militants within 24 hours.   However,  the continued presence of ISIS underscores the complexity of the region’s counterterrorism efforts.

Strategic Importance in Counterterrorism

Puntland’s counterterrorism operations have positioned it as a critical player in the region’s fight against terrorism. Unlike the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS),   which relies heavily on international aid and military support,   Puntland has achieved notable successes with minimal external assistance. Puntland Dervish Force (PDF) military unit ground force, Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) military unit coastal force,   the state’s elite units     has been mobilized for its efficiency and localized strategies tailored to the region’s unique challenges.

Security  expert  Othman A. Farole  contrasted Puntland’s self-reliance with the FGS’s dependence on foreign support.  “The Federal Government’s lack of a cohesive strategy and reliance on international forces have hampered its ability to secure long-term gains,”   he noted. In contrast, Puntland’s strict policies and adept use of its challenging terrain have allowed it to maintain stability.

Broader Implications

This operation highlights the strategic importance of Puntland’s broader counterterrorism landscape.   As the Federal Government continues to grapple with Al-Shabaab’s insurgency across south-central Somalia,   Puntland’s proactive approach underscores the value of local ownership and effective governance in combating terrorism. 

The planned offensive in Bari and Sanaag is not only a bid to secure the region but also a testament to Puntland’s resilience and determination to root out militant threats independently.

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Edited and Published By 𝕯𝖗. 𝐗𝐈𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐆, Columnist and Security Expert