| Africa Horn |
| Somalia: ISIS ambush in Bari kills or injures around 36 Puntland troops, Amaq claims |
| 2025-07-16 |
[X]
|
| Link |
| Africa Horn |
| Puntland says key ISIS leaders killed in Calmiskaad offensive, new phase underway |
| 2025-07-06 |
| [Garowe] Puntland ...a region in northeastern Somalia, centered on Garowe in the Nugaal province. Its leaders declared the territory an autonomous state in 1998. Puntland and the equally autonomous Somaliland seem to have avoided the clan rivalries and warlordism that have typified the rest of Somalia, which puts both places high on the list for Islamic subversion... defense forces officials said that seven senior Islamic State ...formerly ISIS or ISIL, depending on your preference. Before that they were al-Qaeda in Iraq, as shaped by Abu Musab Zarqawi. They're really very devout, committing every atrocity they can find in the Koran and inventing a few more. They fling Allaharound with every other sentence, but to hear western pols talk they're not reallyMoslems.... (ISIS) leaders were killed during the latest phase of a military offensive in the Calmiskaad mountains of the Bari region, significantly weakening the group’s presence. The offensive, known as Operation Hilaac, entered its fourth phase this week after Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces cleared ISIS fighters from a 420-kilometre stretch of mountainous terrain in northeastern Somalia. Officials named the Abdihakim Badiin (Yemen ...an area of the Arabian Peninsula sometimes mistaken for a country. It is populated by more antagonistic tribes and factions than you can keep track of... ), head of policing Marwan Abdrizk (Tunisia), chief of imported muscle Barow Abdi Mo'alim (Somalia), administrative head Ahmed Salah Sudan  ...a Moslem country located in the Horn of Africa. It is noted for its affinity for rule by ex- or current generals, its holy men, and for the oppression of the native Afro population by its Arab conquerors. South Sudan, populated mostly by the natives, split off from Sudan proper, which left North and South Darfur to be oppressed by the guys with turbans...i (Sudan), in charge of religious outreach Ibrahim Hayyan (Morocco), explosives chief Dr. Hakeem Ubeyda (Malaysia), head of medical operations Ahmed Muse Said (Somalia), external relations coordinator "The Hilaac operation, which started in December 2024, has so far wiped out nearly 85% of ISIS leadership in the region," a Puntland security source told Garowe Online, speaking on condition of anonymity ... for fear of being murdered... because they were not authorised to speak to the media. Authorities said Phase 4 of the operation is now underway, focusing on eliminating the remaining ISIS runaways and setting the stage for Operation Onkod, aimed at driving out al-Shabaab ... the Islamic version of the old Somali warlord... Puntland forces also presented a captured ISIS fighter, identified as Hassan Atar, a Ottoman Turkish national apprehended during recent operations. He is currently in jug and being interrogated. The oil-rich Puntland state has stepped up counter-terrorism efforts in recent months as ISIS and al-Shabaab compete for influence in the Bari region. Related: Puntland: 2025-07-01 Puntland Forces Launch Operation Against ISIS Remnants in Al-Miskad Mountains Puntland: 2025-06-28 Puntland Denies Reports of UAE Missile Installations in Bosaso Puntland: 2025-06-26 Good Morning Related: Calmiskaad mountains: 2025-06-21 Cleaning out Puntland’s Cal-Miskaad mountains: Puntland forces capture final hideouts of ISIS militants in Bari region Calmiskaad mountains: 2025-05-08 Puntland Acquires Combat Aircraft for the First Time in Anti-Terror Campaign Calmiskaad mountains: 2025-04-20 Somalia: Puntland forces conquer critical ISIS bases |
| Link |
| Africa Horn |
| Puntland Forces Launch Operation Against ISIS Remnants in Al-Miskad Mountains |
| 2025-07-01 |
 [Garowe] Puntland...a region in northeastern Somalia, centered on Garowe in the Nugaal province. Its leaders declared the territory an autonomous state in 1998. Puntland and the equally autonomous Somaliland seem to have avoided the clan rivalries and warlordism that have typified the rest of Somalia, which puts both places high on the list for Islamic subversion... Defense Forces launched a military operation early Monday targeting areas in the al-Miskad mountain range where remnants of the ISIS-affiliated holy warrior group are believed to be hiding. "The forces are conducting a clearance operation today against fleeing terrorists. Troops have spread out and are advancing toward the limited zones where the runaways may be hiding," read a statement from Operation Hillaac, the ongoing military campaign. According to intelligence information obtained by Garowe Online, ISIS elements who previously operated in the Baalade, Miiraale, and Jacayl valley areas are now believed to be hiding in Walisoor and Marmarka — remote locations currently under military pressure. Security officials say the operation is part of a broader effort to eliminate remaining holy warrior cells in the mountainous region, which has long served as a hideout for gangs. The Puntland authorities have not yet released casualty figures or confirmed arrests linked to the ongoing offensive. |
| Link |
| Africa Horn |
| Puntland Denies Reports of UAE Missile Installations in Bosaso |
| 2025-06-28 |
| [ShabelleMedia] Authorities in Somalia’s northeastern Puntland ...a region in northeastern Somalia, centered on Garowe in the Nugaal province. Its leaders declared the territory an autonomous state in 1998. Puntland and the equally autonomous Somaliland seem to have avoided the clan rivalries and warlordism that have typified the rest of Somalia, which puts both places high on the list for Islamic subversion... state have firmly denied recent reports claiming that the United Arab Emirates is planning to install missile tracking and defense systems at the airport and seaport in the coastal city of Bosaso, the regional capital of Bari. Speaking before the Puntland regional parliament on Wednesday, Puntland’s Minister of Information, Mahmoud Aydid Dirir, dismissed the reports as "fabricated lies" orchestrated by individuals he described as opponents of Puntland’s autonomy and development, allegedly with backing from the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS). "These are baseless allegations spread by those who are openly hostile to Puntland’s progress," Dirir said. "This is part of a deliberate campaign to disrupt our cooperation with international partners, especially the UAE." The minister further accused the federal government of sponsoring what he called ongoing propaganda and political sabotage targeting Puntland, warning that such efforts undermine the fragile federal system in Somalia. The statement comes amid rising political tensions between Puntland and the federal government in Mogadishu. Puntland has repeatedly accused the central authorities of interference and of attempting to curtail the region’s autonomy. The United Arab Emirates, a long-time ally of Puntland with strategic investments in the region, has not publicly commented on the missile deployment allegations. |
| Link |
| Good Morning | ||||||||||||||
| 2025-06-26 | ||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
| Link |
| Africa Horn |
| Boosaaso governor orders businesses to fund Puntland forces fighting ISIS |
| 2025-06-26 |
| [ShabelleMedia] The governor of Boosaaso, the commercial capital of Puntland ...a region in northeastern Somalia, centered on Garowe in the Nugaal province. Its leaders declared the territory an autonomous state in 1998. Puntland and the equally autonomous Somaliland seem to have avoided the clan rivalries and warlordism that have typified the rest of Somalia, which puts both places high on the list for Islamic subversion... , Abdifitah Mohamed Osman, issued strict orders demanding local businesses and traders contribute financially to support Puntland security forces battling ISIS. In a public statement, Governor Abdifitah warned that any company or business that fails to comply with the fundraising directive will face closure or removal from the city. “Businesses that do not participate in supporting our defense forces will no longer operate in Boosaaso. Those who ignore this order will be legally dealt with,” he said. The announcement comes amid Puntland’s intensified military campaign against ISIS militants, currently in its fourth phase. Puntland forces have recently recaptured key strategic positions from the group in the mountainous areas of Bari. Officials say sustained financial backing from the local community is critical to maintaining momentum in ongoing counterterrorism operations against extremist elements entrenched in the region. |
| Link |
| Africa Horn |
| Somali Forces Repel Al-Shabaab Attack Near Baidoa in Heavy Clashes |
| 2025-06-24 |
| [ShabelleMedia] Somali government forces and regional troops from South West State repelled a major attack by Al-Shabaab militants near the city of Baidoa on Sunday, following hours of intense fighting that left several insurgents dead, military officials said. The clashes erupted early in the morning in the Daynuunay and Burjeed areas, located on the outskirts of Baidoa, after Al-Shabaab fighters launched a surprise assault on military outposts held by South West State forces. Heavy weaponry, including mortars and machine guns, was used in the firefight, with explosions heard across several neighborhoods in Baidoa. Local residents reported widespread panic as stray shells landed outside the immediate combat zone. “The militants attempted to overrun our positions, but our forces were prepared,” a Somali National Army (SNA) officer told state media. “We inflicted heavy casualties on Al-Shabaab, and many of them were killed at the scene. Others are on the run and being pursued.” Although casualty figures remain unconfirmed, military sources said the confrontation resulted in a “significant blow” to the militants, who have intensified attacks in the Bay region in recent months. Baidoa, the interim capital of South West State, is heavily guarded by Somali and allied troops, including Ethiopian forces operating under a separate bilateral security arrangement. While the Ethiopian military’s involvement in the latest fighting has not been officially confirmed, they are known to maintain a strong presence in the region and have provided logistical and training support to local forces. Related: South West State: 2025-05-18 Somalia: Explosion at Baraawe Airport Causes Deaths and Injuries South West State: 2025-05-16 China Wins Lion's Share of Nearly $2 Billion Ethiopia Mineral Deal Package South West State: 2025-05-13 Good Morning Related: Baidoa: 2025-05-13 South West State forces launch offensive against Al-Shabaab in Lower Shabelle Baidoa: 2025-05-06 U.S. AFRICOM Airstrike Targets ISIS Militants in Puntland, Says Somali Defence Ministry Baidoa: 2025-04-22 Somali President meets regional leaders over worsening security, Al-Shabaab resurgence; Somali army chief quits |
| Link |
| Africa Horn |
| Cleaning out Puntland’s Cal-Miskaad mountains: Puntland forces capture final hideouts of ISIS militants in Bari region |
| 2025-06-21 |
| 18/06/2025 [ShabelleMedia] Puntland'>Puntland ...a region in northeastern Somalia, centered on Garowe in the Nugaal province. Its leaders declared the territory an autonomous state in 1998. Puntland and the equally autonomous Somaliland seem to have avoided the clan rivalries and warlordism that have typified the rest of Somalia, which puts both places high on the list for Islamic subversion... security forces have seized the last remaining hideouts of Islamic State  ...formerly ISIS or ISIL, depending on your preference. Before that they were al-Qaeda in Iraq, as shaped by Abu Musab Zarqawi. They're really very devout, committing every atrocity they can find in the Koran and inventing a few more. They fling Allaharound with every other sentence, but to hear western pols talk they're not reallyMoslems.... (IS) Lions of Islam in the Baallade valley of the Calmiskaad mountains in Puntland’s Bari region, officials said Wednesday. The forces launched a coordinated offensive from multiple directions, securing all water wells and positions previously held by fleeing IS fighters from the nearby Miraale valley, according to a statement from the Puntland regional administration. Security sources in Puntland told local media that troops are still pursuing a small number of IS Lions of Islam who narrowly escaped the recent operation and remain in the surrounding area, monitoring the movements of Puntland forces. The Puntland military continues efforts to secure the area and prevent Lions of Islam from regrouping or launching further attacks. Puntland says ISIS Leader Escaped Amid Ongoing Offensive in Cal-Miskaad Mountains 16-06-2025 [Garowe] Authorities in Somalia’s northeastern Federal State of Puntland confirmed that Abdulkadir Mumin, the leader of the Islamic State (ISIS) branch in Somalia, has fled the Cal-Miskaad mountain range amid an ongoing military offensive. The spokesperson for Operation Hillaac, Gen. Mahmoud Ahmed Faadhigo, told local media that intelligence shared by international partners revealed Mumin had escaped the area earlier, although the exact timing and method of his departure remain unclear. “Abdulkadir Mumin is no longer in Cal-Miskaad,” Faadhigo said, noting that security forces have regained control of 98% of the mountain range, which has been a stronghold for ISIS fighters over the past six months. While the group's top leader has reportedly escaped, his deputy, Abdirahman Faahiye Isse Mahmoud — the operational commander of ISIS in Somalia — is believed to still be hiding in the area. “We are confident our forces will soon apprehend him,” Faadhigo added. US Military Airdrops Aid to Puntland Forces Battling ISIS in Calmiskaad Mountains 15/06/2025 [ShabelleMedia] US military aircraft have provided critical support to Puntland security forces fighting ISIS militants in the rugged Calmiskaad mountain region of Somalia’s Bari province. Due to the difficult terrain, which is inaccessible to vehicles and lacks suitable airstrips, US warplanes have airdropped troops, supplies, and military equipment to Puntland forces actively engaged in counterterrorism operations against entrenched ISIS fighters in the area. In addition to logistical support, US aircraft have carried out heavy airstrikes targeting ISIS bases and infrastructure in the mountainous region, significantly degrading the extremist group’s operational capabilities. This military assistance forms part of a broader security partnership between the US and the Puntland administration aimed at dismantling ISIS networks and enhancing regional stability. Puntland forces have been conducting intense ground operations to reclaim territory from militants who have long used the Calmiskaad mountains as a stronghold. The operation is seen as a crucial step in curbing the threat posed by ISIS in northeastern Somalia, improving security in the Bari region and Puntland as a whole. Puntland president says ISIS sought to turn Cal-Miskaad into global terror command center 15-06-2025 [Garowe] Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni said Sunday that ISIS-linked militants planned to turn the Cal-Miskaad mountain range into a global hub for coordinating terror activities. Still, the plan was foiled by Puntland's "heroic forces." Speaking before the Puntland parliament, Deni said militants aimed to establish the remote mountain range in northeastern Somalia as a base for directing extremist attacks worldwide. "The terrorists planned to make Cal-Miskaad the main base for directing heinous acts around the world, but the courageous forces of Puntland dismantled that plot,” he said. Deni added that the fourth phase of the region’s ongoing counterterrorism operation is scheduled to begin Monday. The campaign will target remaining militant-held positions and prepare for Operation Onkod, a major offensive focused on the nearby Cal-Madaw mountains. Puntland forces have been battling both ISIS and al-Shabab militants entrenched in rugged terrain. In December 2024, Puntland launched Operation Hilaac in the Cal-Miskaad mountains, killing several foreign fighters and reclaiming large areas from ISIS control. Puntland Forces Capture Turkish ISIS Fighter Amid Major Anti-Terror Offensive 14-06-2025 [Garowe] The Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces have arrested a Turkish national fighting with the ISIS militants group in the northeastern state of Somalia, a significant step towards defeating the terrorists who have been on the receiving end for the last five months. Puntland Defense Forces, working closely with the US Africa Command and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Forces, have managed to penetrate the Cal-Miskaad mountains, a major stronghold of the ISIS terrorists since the start of the Hilaac operation in December 2024. Photos published by the Puntland Television show a Turkish national believed to be a member of ISIS militants in the remote Cal Miskaad mountains, where a security operation is ongoing in what is currently known as Operation Lightning. The man was reportedly carrying an AK-47 and was collecting water from a well when troops spotted him within Baalade valley, Bari region, which is a major stronghold of the ISIS terrorists, whose presence in the state has drastically waned. It may not be a surprise because since the operation started in December 2024, many foreign nationals, especially fighters from Yemen, Morocco, Ethiopia, and even Kenya, have been either killed or captured in Puntland state. With the intelligence reports suggesting a growing number of foreign nationals fighting alongside ISIS militants in Somalia, the regional government of Puntland instructed locals to report foreigners within key towns and market centers in the state for action. Several foreigners were arrested following the order, with a number of them currently in police custody as investigations continue. Puntland maintains that the victory against ISIS militants is inevitable while accusing the federal government of Somalia of failing to support the troops. The US and the United Arab Emirates have been providing aerial surveillance throughout the operations, managing to eliminate several terrorists. In February, President Donald Trump announced the death of a key ISIS fighter following an operation. Last year, the Americans thought they had eliminated Abdulkadir Mumin, the ISIS global leader, but intelligence reports suggested otherwise. The group, however, has lost the strategic Cal-Miskaad mountains, which served as their command base. A few days ago, the Puntland forces took control of areas along the Sadow, Cadalle, and Raa-raha valleys in Baallade (Calmiskaad) after 3 days of air and ground Operations. Several ISIS terrorists were killed, and weapons and equipment were seized, officials said. Turkey is a major security and development partner of Somalia, and the news about its national serving alongside ISIS militants could trigger national debate. Turkey trains the elite Gorgor troops who are critical in the fight against Al-Shabaab within the southern and central regions. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has routinely worked with Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on counterterrorism strategies, with Somalia being a huge beneficiary. Hassan Sheikh is under intense criticism over his approach in the fight against terror groups. Related: Puntland: 2025-06-09 ISIS remains threat in Somalia’s Puntland despite military setbacks: report Puntland: 2025-06-09 Somalia: Puntland forces launch major operation against ISIS remnants in Calmiskaad Puntland: 2025-06-08 Good Morning Related: Calmiskaad mountains: 2025-05-08 Puntland Acquires Combat Aircraft for the First Time in Anti-Terror Campaign Calmiskaad mountains: 2025-04-20 Somalia: Puntland forces conquer critical ISIS bases Calmiskaad mountains: 2025-04-05 US Africa Command confirms defensive airstrike against ISIS in Somalia Related: Bari region: 2025-06-09 ISIS remains threat in Somalia’s Puntland despite military setbacks: report Bari region: 2025-06-09 Somalia: Puntland forces launch major operation against ISIS remnants in Calmiskaad Bari region: 2025-06-08 Somalia: ISIS Militants Suffer Further Losses in Puntland Related: Cal-Miskaad mountain: 2025-05-22 Over 100 Militants Killed in Somalia Since Start of Trump’s Second Term, Says White House Cal-Miskaad mountain: 2025-05-21 Puntland Launches Major Offensive Against ISIS in Cal-Miskaad Mountains Cal-Miskaad mountain: 2025-05-08 Puntland Acquires Combat Aircraft for the First Time in Anti-Terror Campaign |
| Link |
| Africa Horn |
| ISIS remains threat in Somalia’s Puntland despite military setbacks: report |
| 2025-06-09 |
| [ShabelleMedia] The Islamic State group in Somalia continues to pose a security threat to the Puntland region despite suffering significant losses in recent military operations, a new report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) warned this week. According to the report, while ISIS has been weakened by sustained offensives by Puntland’s security forces in the Bari region, the group retains the capacity to regroup, conduct attacks, and exploit lapses in pressure on its financial and support networks. “The group’s ability to regenerate remains a serious risk, especially if Puntland and international partners fail to maintain consistent pressure,” the report said, noting that the rugged terrain and vast coastline of the region pose serious challenges to containment efforts. The report comes as Puntland intensifies counter-terrorism efforts in the Cal Miskaad mountains, a known ISIS stronghold. Local security forces have reportedly seized key locations and destroyed weapons caches used by the militants. Puntland has also recently banned the illegal entry of foreigners in a bid to prevent the influx of foreign fighters joining ISIS ranks. Security forces have carried out operations targeting undocumented migrants, particularly Ethiopians, in Boosaaso and surrounding areas, detaining hundreds. Despite these efforts, the report warns that without a clear, long-term strategy, ISIS could re-establish itself in the region. It also raises concerns about the flow of arms from Yemen’s Houthi rebels to Somalia, noting that known smuggling routes have been used to transport small arms to the group. The Puntland authorities have yet to announce a formal plan to maintain a long-term military presence in the Cal Miskaad mountains after the current operation concludes — a gap that analysts say could allow ISIS fighters to resurface. Related: Institute for the Study of War 05/04/2025 Ukrainian Perspective: Invasion of Ukraine: May 3, 2025 Institute for the Study of War 04/28/2025 Ukrainian Perspective: Invasion of Ukraine: April 27, 2025 Institute for the Study of War 04/28/2025 Russia Prepares New Tactics for Summer Offensive - ISW Related: Bari region: 2025-06-04 Puntland Forces Kill Over 35 ISIS Fighters in Major Offensive Bari region: 2025-05-30 Somalia: Puntland Forces Kill ISIS Fighters in Targeted Operation in Cal Miskaad Mountains Bari region: 2025-05-13 U.S. AFRICOM Conducts Airstrike on ISIS Target in Somalia’s Puntland Related: Cal Miskaad mountains: 2025-05-30 Somalia: Puntland Forces Kill ISIS Fighters in Targeted Operation in Cal Miskaad Mountains Cal Miskaad mountains: 2025-02-13 Islamic State attacks military bases in Somalia''s Puntland Cal Miskaad mountains: 2025-02-05 High-Profile ISIS Commander Captured in Puntland After U.S. Airstrikes |
| Link |
| Africa Horn |
| Somalia: Puntland forces launch major operation against ISIS remnants in Calmiskaad |
| 2025-06-09 |
| [Garowe] Puntland security forces, supported by helicopters, have launched a major operation in the Sadow Cave area near Sadow Well in the Baalade Valley to root out remnants of fleeing ISIS militants, officials said on Thursday. The operation is part of ongoing efforts by Puntland authorities to combat the Islamic State affiliate, which has maintained strongholds in the Cal Miskaad mountains since 2015. Security sources confirmed that Puntland troops have regained control of large swaths of territory previously held by ISIS fighters during a successful six-month counter-terrorism campaign. “The current operation specifically targets pockets where surviving militants are believed to be regrouping,” a senior Puntland security official, who requested anonymity, told Reuters. “We will not allow them to re-establish bases in Puntland.” The offensive has included the destruction of caves and facilities used by the militants. Several ISIS fighters have been killed, with others captured, according to officials. In recent months, Puntland forces have significantly weakened ISIS’s influence and activity in the Bari region. Authorities say operations will continue in the coming days. Since December 2024, Puntland has made substantial gains against ISIS, clearing many strongholds and eliminating senior commanders, with assistance from U.S. and UAE partners, a statement from Puntland’s Ministry of Security said. |
| Link |
| Good Morning | ||||||||||||||
| 2025-06-08 | ||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
| Link |
