Security forces in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region reported on Wednesday that they had killed a significant number of fighters associated with the Islamic State group during intense clashes in the mountainous areas. This development marks a continuation of ongoing confrontations that began in December, when Puntland authorities initiated an offensive against IS-linked militants, often with the support of U.S. forces.
Military officials provided details indicating that Puntland forces successfully repelled a coordinated assault on one of their military bases by heavily armed IS fighters in the Cal Miskaad mountains. The confrontation lasted for approximately 24 hours, during which commanders estimated that up to 65 attackers were killed. Puntland army spokesman Mohamud Faadhigo stated in a news conference, “The enemy was defeated in both directions,” while also cautioning that fighting might continue, as forces were believed to be targeting attackers hiding in nearby caves.
In a revelation that underscores the severity of the battle, another commander, Abdikadir Farah, disclosed to AFP that over 20 Puntland soldiers had lost their lives in the skirmish. The defense forces faced a particularly aggressive strategy from the attackers, including an attempt to breach the army base using a vehicle laden with explosives. Although this specific assault was ultimately thwarted, the commander, who chose to remain anonymous, characterized the overall fighting as “very heavy.” According to his account, several attackers detonated explosive vests, contributing to the casualties suffered by the military.
The presence of IS in Somalia is relatively minor compared to that of Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-linked group. However, experts have expressed concerns regarding the increasing activity of IS-linked factions in the region. In December, the Puntland Defence Forces escalated their operations against these militants, and U.S. military involvement has included air strikes aimed at high-ranking IS figures.
Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump noted that American military forces had conducted strikes targeting significant leaders of IS within the region, with Puntland’s administration claiming that these operations in the Golis mountains had resulted in the elimination of “key figures” affiliated with the terrorist group.
As the situation evolves, both Puntland forces and their international allies remain vigilant against the threats posed by militant groups operating in the region. The ongoing clashes highlight the complexities of the security landscape in Somalia and the challenges faced by local and international authorities in maintaining stability.
