By Abdifatah Shirwa, independent Researcher & Regional Security analyst.
Eight days ago the President of Puntland state of Somalia ended successful completion of training for a new batch of 500 elite commandos ready to combat the isis group in phase two of ( the Hilaac Campaign ) The new elite forces joined the fight of Hilaac campaign in front-lines significantly boosting the campaign. They seized several caves,and areas from extremist group also killing many of the foreign foreigners affiliated with Isis
The allies, US support in the operation
Also on the 2th of February US conducted Air strike The US president said “ preicsion military air strake against senior attack planner and others he recruited” which coused substantial damage to group & its network. The airstrikes targeted ISIS hide-outs in Somalia in Al’Miskad Mountains, The federal government ( FGS ) & Puntland both showed gratitude in statements indicating that Strong partnerships are key in the fight against terrorism.
The Group.
The threat of the group began in October 2015 but The origins of the Islamic State in Somalia trace back to 2012, when Abdul Qadir Mumin was sent by the al-Shabaab leadership to its remote outpost in Puntland, far from the insurgent group’s primary areas of operation in southern Somalia. Mumin, however, long dissatisfied with his situation, pledged bayah to abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and the Islamic State in October 2015. This caused a violent split within Puntland’s al-Shabaab, as only 20 of the 300 local Islamist fighters joined Mumin, while the al-Shabaab loyalists attempted to kill these defectors. Since then the group is primarily active in the eastern Galgala Mountains, which mostly lie in the Bari region of Puntland state of Somalia which currently fighting the Group on phase Two of ( Hilaac operation )
foreign fighters In Puntland & it’s threat to Horn of Africa
According to Puntland security sources, hundreds of militants from more than 15 countries have converged on the area in recent months, drawn by the group’s propaganda and the prospect of martyrdom in what they see as a final battle against the ( crusader forces) yet Puntland & it’s people showed that They’re remains resolute in eliminating all threats to their security, Somalia, & the wider region in the current operation of Hilaac.
The path ahead, no turning back
Yesterday Puntland forces seized mine strategic positions & areas in decisive blow to the territor group. Forces have successfully captured the strategic town of ( dharin in toga-jecal ) according to reliable sources in the battlefield almost 51 foreign fighters of the group are confirmed dead, despite small number of losses in fight by Puntland & some are wounded casualties, yet they’re showing that for sure. there is no going back.
President said Deni’s statement
The Puntland president said Deni visited in hospital this afternoon the wounded soldiers acknowledging their services to the Puntland people, also he expressed his condolences to the families of fallen heroes, who lost lost their lives in the fight. Referring to them as “ shuhada “, He urged to the Somali people and the Puntland people, particularly to the Puntland diaspora to stop the organizing multiple meetings & to show the support that is currently needed in the fight.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, Puntland has shown resilience in its fight against ISIS, with significant progress made in the Hilaac Operation. The recent capture of strategic territories and the elimination of foreign fighters demonstrate the determination to eradicate extremism. Kindly note, unity among the political leadership and the people of Puntland, along with a comprehensive strategy, is essential to achieving long-term security and stability in the region.
