Recent Appearances...

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Recent Appearances...

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
...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 Allah around with every other sentence, but to hear western pols talk they're not really Moslems....
(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.

Link

Africa Horn

Puntland Launches Major Offensive Against ISIS in Cal-Miskaad Mountains

2025-05-21

[ShabelleMedia] 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...
regional forces have launched a major military operation targeting ISIS turbans hiding in the rugged Cal-Miskaad mountain range in northeastern Somalia, officials said on Tuesday.

The offensive, described as intense and ongoing, aims to dislodge the group from strategic positions it has used for years as a base of operations. Security sources report that Puntland forces have already regained control of several key areas previously held by the bad boys.

Among those killed in the recent fighting is Ahmed Muse Said, a senior ISIS figure responsible for coordinating the arrival of imported muscle into Somalia, according to local officials.

"The operation is still underway and is focused on eliminating ISIS presence in the remote mountainous areas where they continue to hide," said Abdifatah Abdinuur, Minister of State at the Puntland Presidency. "We are making significant progress and will not stop until they are fully defeated."

Puntland has been engaged in a sustained campaign against ISIS elements operating in the region, particularly in Bari province. While the group remains significantly smaller than al-Shabaab

... the personification of Somali state failure...
, it has continued to pose a threat through ambushes and assassinations.

The Puntland Defense Forces have steadily advanced in recent days, pushing ISIS fighters further into retreat. Officials say the group has lost several of its key hideouts and is on the defensive.

The offensive marks the latest phase in Puntland’s broader security effort to ensure stability in the region and dismantle holy warrior networks.

Fresh details emerge about ISIS militant killed in Puntland

[Garowe] Ahmed Muse Said, the ISIS militants coordinator killed in Cal-Miskaad mountains, Tuesday, was a well-connected individual who was also well-travelled across the world, thus his links with several foreign fighters in Puntland state.

When Operation Lightning started late last year, Puntland forces, along with foreign military teams, established that most of the fighters are 'imported' from foreign countries, with their passports recovered in various caves which have been seized.

And multiple sources revealed that Said, who was killed last week, frequently travelled abroad - to Ethiopia, Oman and the UAE. The three countries have close ties with Puntland, with the United Arab Emirates providing aerial surveillance throughout the campaign against ISIS.

Brigadier General Ahmed Abdullahi Sheikh, the commander of Operation Lightning, termed him a 'high-value individual (HVI)' while confirming his identity. He was one of the most sought-after terrorists.

"This operation underscores the unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring regional security. The successful elimination of this key figure represents a substantial blow to Daesh's operational capabilities and its ability to conduct destabilising activities," General Sheikh said.

"We commend the exceptional professionalism, dedication, and precision demonstrated by all personnel involved in the critical mission. Their efforts are a testament to the resolve in the face of terrorist threats," he added.

He said no further details of the time, date, or specific aspects of the operation will be disclosed at this time. The connection with foreign countries, specifically, could worry Puntland, which closely works with Somalia’s international partners.

Officials are keen to unearth his links to the UAE, Oman and Ethiopia, which could aid in the fight against ISIS militants. In southern regions, the federal government of Somalia, which has not come out clearly to support Puntland’s stance against ISIS, is tackling Al-Shabaab militants.

Link

Africa Horn

UAE Airstrikes Target ISIS Bases in Somalia’s Puntland

2025-03-12

[Garowe] The United Arab Emirates (UAE) struct several bases controlled by the ISIS snuffies in Somalia, uplifting the spirits of the local forces, who have religiously fought the group, whose expansion of territory was a reality a few months ago.

The ISIS turbans, mostly foreigners, had established more permanent bases in 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, with the ultimate goal being destabilization of the northern state of Somalia — the most stable federal state of the five regions.

According to the Puntland counterterrorism command center, the Monday night ~~Arclight~~ airstrike
<del>Arclight</del> airstrike

...KABOOM!...
s targeted the bases deep in the caves of Cal-Miskaad mountains where the group has lost large swathes of territories in recent weeks.

"An airstrike has just taken place in the Miiraale Valley, within the Calmiskaad mountain range, targeting fleeing ISIS Death Eaters who were regrouping. The strike was carried out by Puntland’s allies from UAE," the command said.

However,
a hangover is the wrath of grapes...
the command center, which has been giving regular updates on Operation Lightning, did not mention if there were any casualties. The strike came barely a day after the Puntland forces seized a sniper training camp used by ISIS in the Dibi-Ganuun area of al-Miskad.

Several ISIS snuffies have been killed in the last two months with dozens getting arrested by the local forces as the operation nears the end. Already, the Puntland forces have destroyed some of the hideouts believed to have been hosting Abdulkadir Mumin, the global leader of the group.

"As long as a foreign invader lives on our land, we must be ready to sacrifice our lives to defend our country. We carry weapons and fight to eliminate the foreign Death Eaters who have invaded," said Second Lieutenant Jaamac Cumar, an officer with the Puntland forces.

The entry of the UAE airwing is expected to boost the Puntland command and deal a further blow to the ISIS terrorist organization. Also in the aerial surveillance team are the US Africa Command forces, who work jointly with the Puntland forces.

Link

Africa Horn

ISIS sniper training camp seized in Somalia's Puntland

2025-03-11

[Garowe] Resilient Puntland forces seized an ISIS militants training camp within the state, authorities confirmed, in the latest significant development, which comes at the time the country is making huge strides in the fight against violent extremist groups.

According to the Puntland counterterrorism operations centre, the sniper training camp was discovered at the top of Cal-Miskaad mountains where the military has camped for the last two months, engaging the militants who had established several bases.

The sniper training camp helped the group prepare adequately — thus its capture perhaps highlights the positive progress by the military teams. For the last two months, the Operation Lightning has reflected the potential of local troops in the fight against terrorism.

Reports further indicate that the training camp was located in Dibi-Ganuun area of the Calmiskaad mountains, where intense fighting between the terrorists and the military has been recorded. Previously, a weapon manufacturing factory was seized within the vicinity.

The successful operation resulted in the capture of military supplies and food stockpiles belonging to the terrorists, officials said. Further details on casualties and the scope of the seized materials were not immediately available to the media.

Elsewhere, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni warned against politicizing national security, emphasizing the need for unity to defeat terrorist groups in Somalia. The Puntland leader has been on the frontlines supporting local troops in the fight against ISIS.

With ISIS capacity annihilated in the north, the major focus is elsewhere in the country, especially in Middle Shabelle where the al-Shabaab militants have reigned terror on innocent civilians and members of the Somali National Army (SNA).

Somalia heavily depends on the US Africa Command and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) for the execution of sophisticated military activities in the country. Shortly, the foreign troops shall hand over military responsibilities to the SNA.

Link

Africa Horn

Somalia: Puntland forces seize ISIS headquarters in mountains

2025-03-05

[Garowe] A base believed to be the main headquarters of the ISIS turbans in Somalia was seized by the 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, the counterterrorism centre said in a statement, marking yet another significant step towards the liberation of the state from the Death Eaters.

For the last three months, the Puntland forces, without support from the federal authorities, have managed to topple the turbans from strategic areas — they have however, occasionally relied on ~~Arclight~~ airstrike
<del>Arclight</del> airstrike

...KABOOM!...
s from the US Africa Command and the United Arab Emirates.

The operations even led to the death of a senior ISIS operative Ahmed Maeleninine, a key ISIS recruiter, financier, and external operations leader responsible for the deployment of jihadists into the United States and across Europe.

According to Puntland forces, concrete houses built by the turbans in the Cal-Miskaad mountains were discovered on Saturday, reflecting the commitment by the forces to overwhelm the group, which is behind attacks in the coastal town of Bosaso.

"Our forces today found concrete-built houses in Buqa-Caleed, Calmiskaad mountains, with offices and meeting rooms," the counterterrorism centre reports, just days after a similar cave with an underground tunnel was also discovered.

"These served as a major headquarters for the defeated ISIS terrorists. Two burnt vehicles and other equipment were also discovered," the centre further said, while acknowledging that the airstrikes may have displaced the Death Eaters.

Several turbans have died since Operation Lightning started, with a significant number surrendering to local authorities as well. The group has lost dozens of foreign nationals who have been training and fighting within Puntland state.

The last phase now aims at toppling the group from the final areas believed to be under their territory, with Puntland insisting that 'with or without Mogadishu's support, we shall win this war'. The military teams are approaching the mountains from different directions.

Link

Africa Horn

Mass graves discovered in Puntland as ISIS loses grounds

2025-02-26

[Garowe] The 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 discovered several fresh mass graves within the vicinity of Cal-Miskaad mountains, the counterterrorism center reported, highlighting the possibility of severe losses on the ISIS ~~bandidos~~ holy warriors within the state.

Several bodies were also tumbled on as the forces made huge gains, officials said, with the graves believed to be the final resting places for their big shots, who had died side the beginning of Operation Lightning.

"There are also bodies and a mass grave where the turbans buried some of their senior members," the counterterrorism center said in a post on X, reaffirming the military's determination to eradicate the bad boys.

It could not be established the correct number of the ISIS ~~bandidos~~ holy warriors who have died. Still, many may have fallen following aerial bombardments by the US Africa Command and the United Arab Emirates. The ground combats have also been severe.

Also seized were several vehicles and cycle of violences destroyed by the ~~Arclight~~ airstrike
<del>Arclight</del> airstrike

...KABOOM!...
s, with the forces projecting that the ~~bandidos~~ holy warriors may have been planning to use them in bombing military bases and strategic locations for the frontline teams.

"The Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces have found some of the vehicles and cycle of violences belonging to ISIS turbans that were destroyed in the recent airstrikes in Almiskat. These vehicles and cycle of violences were initially planned for bombings but were eliminated in the strikes."

Earlier, the Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces conducted operations in Cuuraar and the surrounding areas of GaatirOodan. They took control of part of the major bases where ISIS turbans were hiding, officials said.

The operation is set to go on as Puntland calls for honest and consistent support for local troops. ISIS ~~bandidos~~ holy warriors are trying to establish formidable bases in Somalia but the attempts have been met by fierce resistance by members of the military.

Link

Africa Horn

Puntland to Intensify Crackdown on ISIS After Military Gains

2025-02-02

[Garowe] The federal state 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...
shall extend the crackdown against the IS-Somalia murderous Moslems by targeting their sympathizers, regional leader Said Abdullahi Deni said while recognizing the sacrifices by the military teams engaging the fighters.

Deni, who ordered for activation of Operation Lightning, said the military teams on the frontlines had made significant progress in pursuing the IS-Somalia bully boys, adding that most strategic towns are now in the custody of local forces.

"After defeating ISIS, we will hunt down its sympathizers who hold misguided beliefs and are hiding in the cities," said Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, speaking at the passing out parade of army recruits in Bosaso.

However,
the difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits...
Deni, who visited the Bari region, the epicenter of the bully boys, called on the people not to harm those seeking a better life in Puntland and directed security agencies to take responsible and effective action against ~~bandidos~~ bully boyz hiding among foreign nationals arriving and residing in Puntland.

Locals have been working closely with the regional troops, frogmarching those believed to be associates of the ISIS bully boys. At least 300 people have been arrested for further interrogation, the majority of them believed to be foreigners.

He praised the troops for their bravery in fighting ISIS, specifically highlighting their successful operations in the Cal-Miskaad mountain caves where they defeated the group in a short period.

The operations saw the local forces intercept at least 12 drones used by the IS-Somalia bully boys, with the military killing at least 15 murderous Moslems who are suspected to have been coordinating attacks against innocent civilians in the northern state of Somalia.

Puntland has made this milestone without support from the federal government, which has, however, lauded the forces for their successes. Puntland is one of the most stable states in Somalia but has lately been battling infiltration of the ~~violent~~ mostly peaceful krazed killer groups in the region.

Puntland Imposes Media Blackout on ISIS Contact Amid Offensive

[ShabelleMedia] In an effort to secure its military operations against Islamic State (ISIS) strongholds in the Al-Miskat mountains, Puntland has prohibited media outlets from communicating with the group, the region’s Information Minister Mahmoud Aydiid Dirir announced on Saturday.

The decision aims to safeguard operational secrecy and ensure that journalists adhere to official guidelines during this critical phase of the campaign, according to a statement.

Key points of the media restrictions include:

No access to conflict zones without explicit permission.

Information on military activities must be sourced exclusively from government channels.

Travel to battlefronts is off-limits without clearance from the Information Ministry.

Dirir underscored the importance of these measures in protecting the lives of reporters and maintaining the confidentiality of military strategies as Puntland’s forces strive to dismantle ISIS enclaves.

Link

Africa Horn

Somalia: Puntland Forces Arrest 300 Foreign ISIS Suspects in Ongoing Operation

2025-01-28

[Garowe] The Security forces 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...
state have arrested 300 suspected ISIS bully boyz of foreign nationalities as Operation Lightning enters the third week, registering significant successes, following the liberation of several strategic towns.

The suspects have been detained for further interrogation, with members of the public playing a major role in reporting individuals whose identities are questionable, officials said while acknowledging the immediate positive impact of the operation.

Mohamud Dirir, Puntland’s minister for information, said the troops have 'dedicated their lives' to peace in Puntland, noting that such commitment would change the fortunes of the entire Horn of Africa region.

According to Dirir, the ongoing conflict in Puntland is unique to the federal state, paralleled only by the war in Ukraine where imported muscle are heavily involved as they try to infiltrate the region, which is the most secure in Somalia.

"The battle here is being fought with advanced technology, including sniper rifles, night-vision-equipped guns, and drones," Dirir said. He added that the region is currently engaged in combating foreign ISIS fighters, who want to establish a permanent base in the country.

Some of the fighters are believed to have originated from Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia

...a kingdom taking up the bulk of the Arabian peninsula, largely made up of sand and oil rigs. Its primary economic activity involves exporting oil and soaking Islamic rubes on the annual haj pilgrimage. The country supports a large number of princes in whatcha might call princely splendor. Formerly dictatorial and steeped in Olde Tyme Religion, deferring to Salafist holy men on all issues, it has now done a 180 and is making a serious effort to modernize, so as not to be left in the sand by its Gulf Arab neighbors. The holy men have been shoved to the background and the nation is now still dictatorial but somewhat rational. That doesn't make them trustworthy, but it's a start...
, Iraq, Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, and Algeria. They were previously defeated in Syria and Libya and have massive international support, he added.

Jihad tourists, moving from one battlefield defeat to the next.

"We have cleared them from a 300-kilometer stretch in al-Miskaad mountains," he noted while assuring members of the public that the state would be secured in due course.

Already, the Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces have taken control of locations that served as bases for ISIS Terrorists. These areas include Waadi-soor, Ina Ciddoole, Damal Cagagubyo, Diibow, Qaaqsiiye, Daad, Dal Lo’aad, and Isha Siido, the team said in a text message published on the X platform.

Reports say the security forces are investigating the visas and personal details of foreigners residing in the capital. Nearly 100 people are currently under investigation, while a larger number have already been verified. The public has taken some individuals to the Police stations, police said.

Link

Africa Horn

ISIS militant surrenders to Somalia's Puntland forces

2025-01-22

[Garowe] A senior member of the ISIS holy warriors surrendered to the 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...
Defence Forces on Tuesday, bigwigs said, while lauding the ongoing operations against the group which had started expanding territory in the northern state of Somalia.

For the last three weeks, Puntland security forces have been pursuing the holy warriors in Bari region in the first major operation by the state targeting the group whose presence in the country hinders growth and development.

According to local officials, the senior murderous Moslem whose name was not immediately disclosed, surrendered to forces in Puntland in the Bari mountains, where local authorities had previously announced amnesty for those who surrendered voluntarily.

Under the offer, any murderous Moslem who surrenders without being captured in combat will be spared. The operation is still ongoing as the Federal state focuses on the total elimination of the murderous Moslems, who the United States said posed a serious threat to security in the Horn of Africa.

Last week, several ISIS holy warriors were killed among them imported muscle, who are said to have crossed over secretly to the country. At least 10 holy warriors were killed with the forces managing to intercept 12 drones used by the group.

There are some reports that a landmine explosion Monday killed at least 13 Puntland soldiers and injured more than seven others in the Habley area, Bari region. The current operation saw the capture of key bases belonging to ISIS and the troops continued their offensive in al-Miskaad.

Military sources say the soldiers who were engaged in counter-terrorism operations against ISIS holy warriors in the region were killed after their military vehicle ran over an bomb. The ISIS is said to have carried out the attack but it is yet to take responsibility.

Puntland is considered the most secure state in Somalia but it has been handling ~~violent~~ mostly peaceful holy warrior groups, key among them ISIS. There are traces of al-Shabaab

... the personification of Somali state failure...
in the south towards Galkayo, but the local troops have managed to contain the situation.

Somalia: Puntland forces capture 9 drones, kill 26 ISIS militants
14-01-2025,
[Garowe] Operation Lightning continued for the second week in succession, with Puntland Defence Forces making tremendous progress towards the eastern parts of the state, with the ultimate goal being dethroning the IS-Somalia militants.

According to military sources, the Puntland forces managed to capture nine drones — including both surveillance and explosive-laden types intended for attacks on military bases. Officials termed to operation "a huge success".

The seizure came after a clash with Islamic State militants in which the forces also recaptured key strategic areas in the Al-Miskaad mountains previously used as launch sites for attacks.

During the clashes, at least 26 militants were killed, including five foreigners while capturing two major ISIS bases and downing nine drones in an operation in the Cal Miskaad mountain range in the Bari region, an operations spokesperson said on Monday.

The offensive marks a significant blow to ISIS operations in the area, with the seizure of the bases and the downing of surveillance or attack drones indicating a tactical success for Puntland's security forces.

ISIS militants have suffered immense losses in recent weeks after President Said Abdullahi Deni unveiled operations against the militants. The IS Somalia militants have been expanding their bases beyond the Bari region, miles from Bosaso town.

A report published by the State Department of the United States termed the group "dangerous" and warned about the possible expansion of their territories. The group is also said to be recruiting foreign fighters who benefit from weapons tendered from abroad.

However, the operation by the Puntland forces has managed to neutralize quite a number of the fighters besides liberating several strategic towns. Puntland is considered the safest state within Somalia, with the rest battling with the high presence of the Al-Shabaab militants

Shabelle Media adds:

Among the items seized was a Saudi passport belonging to a fighter who reportedly entered Somalia through the Ethiopian border, passed through Somaliland, and eventually reached Bari’s mountainous regions. Other captured items included bank cards used by the militants for ATM cash withdrawals.

The operation also led to the capture of ISIS fighters, including foreign nationals, though their countries of origin remain officially undisclosed. Reports suggest they hail from Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Morocco, and Tanzania.

The Puntland military confirmed the destruction of ISIS supply depots and command centers while recovering stockpiles of weapons and food supplies. This marks a significant blow to ISIS, which established a foothold in the Cal-Miskaad mountains in 2015 under the leadership of Abdulqadir Mumin.

Puntland has intensified its military campaign to eradicate ISIS from the Cal-Madow and Cal-Miskaad ranges. The offensive also aims to halt the group’s taxation of businesses in Bosaso, a major economic hub critical to the funding of militant operations in the region.

The current military operation follows recent clashes in Dharjaalle, where eight foreign ISIS fighters were reportedly killed, further weakening the group’s presence in Puntland.

Link

Europe

Europe puts its finger on the trigger.

2015-07-21

[OZY] Hedgehog. Seemingly innocent, this word takes on extraordinary significance in a tiny Northern European country, reminding their population of barely 1 million of the constant threat of invasion by their former conquerers. You see, Hedgehog is the code name of Estonia's largest-ever military exercise, which took place in early May, where tanks and aircraft from around the world joined with some 13,000 Estonians to practice avoiding the same fate that has befallen Ukraine. Government video shows everyday volunteers, who make up about half of the Estonian Defense Forces, firing automatic weapons from wooded hideouts and tossing smoke grenades before calling out, "The battle is over, all are friends!" But the message to Russia is clear and backed by unprecedented force: We are not friends.

But it's not just Estonia that's hiding behind an armor of troops and tanks. At the same time, Operation Lightning Strike brought out 3,000 troops in Lithuania, while Operation Dynamic Mongoose included another 5,000 in the North Sea off Norway. It's Europe's latest show-and-tell of military capability, which, in a reversal of a trend that has lasted many years, is increasing dramatically. From Germany to Scandinavia to the Balkans, there arguably hasn't been this much activity in European barracks since the end of the Cold War, some experts say. Military budget spending from European nations with the biggest increases will total some $51 billion over the next seven years, according to a report by the Royal United Services Institute, a think tank. That's almost a 50 percent increase from their total defense spending in 2013, according to European Defense Agency data.

Link

Africa Subsaharan

Why Obama is sending troops to Africa

2011-11-01

The money graf, in Three Paragraphs:

Noah Gottschalk, a senior humanitarian policy advisor for Oxfam America, says that a military operation is just one of many potential tools for combating the LRA, and one that could put countless thousands of civilians in harm's way. The Ugandan military has tried a military solution in dealing with the LRA in the past, Gottschalk said, most recently with their Operation Lightning Thunder at the end of 2008. "That operation was designed to go after the LRA with the stated intent of making the LRA go away, but it left civilians a lot worse off."

In the long run, the solution may be the boring work of development, Gottschalk says.

"The LRA goes to places where there is little development, they don't go to places where there are big roads," he says. "So if you start to squeeze that area, building roads, bringing in infrastructure, you're not only bringing development to the most neglected corners of Africa, you're also reducing the territory that the LRA can operate in."

Link

Iraq

Update On Corps-Sized Operation Lightning Hammer II

2007-09-18

...Officials in northern Iraq launched Operation Lightning Hammer II at the start of the month. The offensive partners 12,000 coalition forces with 14,000 Iraqi security forces to drive al Qaeda out of the provinces of Salah Ad Din, Ninewa, Diyala and Kirkuk. Officials are supporting the forces with attack helicopters, close-air support, Bradley fighting vehicles, Stryker vehicles, and tanks.

Its predecessor, Operation Lightning Hammer, focused operations on the Diyala River Valley, northeast of Baqubah, where they believe the insurgents have fled to once they were driven from their previous stronghold.

Officials there also are working hard with local tribal sheiks to garner support from tribes disenchanted by al Qaedas tactics. It is more difficult there, though, to mimic the much heralded successes of similar operations in Anbar province, Bednarek said. Anbar is predominately Sunni. The Diyala province is home to 23 major tribes and as many as 100 sub-tribes, and its makeup is Sunni, Shiia and Kurdish.

Still, Bednarek said, he has seen progress.

"The reaction of the citizens has been very positive. I think not only in Diyala province, but also in our other provinces where the citizens are starting to stand up and take a position on their own," the general said. "They have seen what al Qaeda has to offer, which is nothing. They have seen that the horrific acts of violence against women, family, children, infrastructure is not the future. They see that they can have a future of prosperity and security without al Qaeda and are starting to fight back."

Locals also are starting to trust the local Iraqi security forces, he said, which was a problem in the past. Locals are starting to report weapons caches and emplaced bombs to security forces patrolling the areas.

"Engaging the tribal sheiks, coming together to be part of the future as opposed to the dark past is something that were putting huge amount of senior-leader energy in every day," Bednarek said.
And I wonder how much Corps level training the Iraqi divisional command staffs are getting at the same time.

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