Mogadishu, Somalia — Somali security forces recently reported significant advances in their ongoing battle against the Islamic State (IS) militants in Puntland, a semi-autonomous region in northern Somalia. During these operations, troops succeeded in eliminating several IS fighters and captured eight key outposts.
The Islamic State’s foothold in Somalia, although not as extensive as the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabaab, has increasingly become a source of concern. Experts note a troubling uptick in the group’s activities not only in Somalia but also in regions like Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo, signaling a potential spread of their influence in Eastern Africa.
The recent military actions targeted the Cal Miskat mountains within the Bari region. In a detailed engagement, the security forces overcame significant resistance, dismantling one of IS’s major strongholds entrenched in the mountainous terrain. The operation also led to the neutralization of nine drones loaded with explosives, which were reportedly being used by IS militants to launch attacks on Somali forces.
“As our troops stormed IS defenses, they managed to secure critical locations, previously operated by IS militants including some manned by foreign fighters,” a statement from the Puntland army reported. This highlights the international aspect of the threat, with fighters coming from outside Somalia to join IS ranks.
The ongoing conflict in the area has revealed the extremists’ tactical shift to using drones, marking a significant escalation in the type of warfare encountered by Somali forces in the region. Military commander Ahmed Rage acknowledged the fierce combat conditions, noting the strategic entrenchment of IS forces in a particularly fortified cave system. Despite this, he remained optimistic about the army’s progress, confirming advancements into more areas previously under terrorist control.
Leadership of IS in Somalia is purportedly under Abdul Qadir Mumin, originally from Puntland himself. According to Tore Hamming, an expert at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, Mumin is “the central figure and the most powerful leader of the global Islamic State network operating in the region.”
This assertion underscores the localized threat of a globally networked terror group, illustrating the complex challenge faced by Somali and regional security forces. The successful raids in the Bari region mark a tactical victory, but also spotlight the ongoing struggle against a persistent and adaptable enemy.
The regional implications of IS’s presence in Somalia are significant, risking further instability in a region already battling with political fragility and conflict. The increase in jihadist operations has not only regional but potentially global consequences, as it could provide a foothold for broader IS operations across Africa.
As the Somali military continues its efforts to curb the spread of terrorist influence, the international community watches closely, recognizing the broader threat posed by IS’s aspirations in Africa. The successful operations in Puntland are a crucial step in weakening the terrorist group’s operational capacity but also a reminder of the continuous and adaptive threats of global terrorism.