Somali and allied forces escalate strikes against ISIS in Puntland, killing over 13 foreign fighters in a strategic blow to terrorism.

Somalia’s Puntland region just delivered a devastating blow to ISIS, eliminating over 13 foreign jihadists in a high-precision airstrike deep within the Calmiskaad mountains. The operation, part of an aggressive counterterrorism campaign, marks a turning point in the war against ISIS in East Africa.

Regional security officials confirmed the airstrike targeted key terrorist hideouts in the Dhasaq area, a notorious militant stronghold. While the specific country behind the strike remains undisclosed, all signs point to U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), which recently carried out a series of coordinated attacks on ISIS operatives in Somalia. These latest strikes reinforce the message: ISIS will find no safe haven in Puntland’s rugged terrain.

Somali security forces, alongside their international partners, have been relentless. Over the past month, ISIS strongholds have been systematically dismantled in Hararyo, Toga-Jeceel, and other key regions. Militants who once believed Puntland was an impenetrable sanctuary are now on the run, their bases obliterated, their leadership decimated.

ISIS in Somalia, though smaller than al-Shabaab, has been growing in strategic importance, acting as a conduit for foreign fighters and funding networks linked to the global ISIS hierarchy. The elimination of these foreign jihadists disrupts ISIS’s operational capabilities, striking at the heart of its ambitions to expand across the Horn of Africa.

With Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s “all-out war” against jihadist groups escalating, Puntland’s latest strike signals an unyielding resolve to eradicate terrorism. As ISIS fighters scramble for survival, one thing is clear: the hunt is far from over.

The Puntland clerics’ call for unity against ISIS in the Al-Miskaat Mountains reflects the growing urgency in countering the group’s presence in Somalia’s Bari region. While ISIS remains smaller than al-Shabaab, its strategic importance within the global ISIS network is expanding. The Puntland State Army is leading one of the most critical offensives yet, targeting foreign fighters embedded within the group.

This fight isn’t just military—it’s a social and financial battle too. The clerics’ demand for clan support signals a shift in local dynamics, urging communities to fund the fight and actively resist ISIS influence. This highlights the growing concerns that foreign jihadists are using Puntland as a regional hub.

With reports suggesting that Abdulqadir Mumin may have ascended to a global leadership role within ISIS, the situation in Puntland carries significant international security implications. If left unchecked, ISIS-Somalia could serve as a launchpad for regional and even transcontinental operations. The question now is: Will Puntland’s forces, with community backing, finally dismantle ISIS’s growing stronghold?

Somalia’s government launches a sweeping crackdown on businesses and individuals financing Al-Shabab, vowing legal action against those funding terror operations.

Somalia’s government Saturday sent stern warnings to businesses and individuals that pay extortion money to al-Shabab, saying the full force of the law would be brought against traders and individuals who pay the al-Qaida ally.

Presenting a unified front, Somalia’s Minister of Internal Security Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail and Minister of Religious Affairs Mukhtar Ali Robow joined the government’s attorney general and the deputy minister of information at a joint news conference in Mogadishu, Somalia. They said, any business found to have paid or collaborated with al-Shabab in any way would “face legal action,” including having their government-issued trading permits revoked.

“Do not let your wealth destroy your life because security forces are prepared to act against anyone attempting to collaborate with these groups,” said minister Ismail.

He said in recent government actions — aimed at cutting off al-Shabab funding —security forces shut down financial accounts used by the militant group to receive funds.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared a “total war” against the al-Qaida-linked militants shortly after being elected in May 2022.

President Mohamud said at the time that part of the government strategy to weaken and defeat the militants was not only on the military front, but also to cut its finances.

In January 2023, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre said his government had closed every known account connected with the militants.

“The government had successfully shut down 250 bank accounts belonging to the group and closed an additional 70 mobile money accounts of the militants,” Barre said at the time.

The al-Qaida affiliated group has continued to fund itself for years through intimidation and by extorting businesses in Mogadishu and collecting taxes in areas under its control.

Robow, a former al-Shabab fighter who defected before accepting the Cabinet ministry position, said there is no justification for paying al-Shabab.

He said it is unacceptable for anyone to finance activities that harm the Somali people, especially in areas under government control, such as Bakara market.

“Those who attempt to justify their support for terrorism will find no refuge,” he warned.

Deputy Minister of Information Abdirahman Yusuf al-Adala acknowledged that the government is tracing sources of money going to al-Shabab.

“The government possesses detailed information about individuals directly or indirectly funding groups like al-Shabab and ISIS. Make no mistake, no one will escape unpunished” if found to be involved in “terrorist funding in any form,” al-Adala said, referring to the Islamic State terrorist group by an acronym.

Ismail praised the government’s multi-faceted approach to dismantle the terrorist organization.

“Our primary objective was to combat al-Shabab and defeat them across various fronts. Now, we can say we have beaten them in the financial warfare, media battles, ideological war and on the front lines,” Ismail said.

Ismail added that the government is aware of individuals who still have secret dealings with al-Shabab.

“I warn … our citizens to avoid any engagement with al-Shabab. If you are found in contact with al-Shabab, and you are seen facilitating funds, the government will take serious action against you,” he said.

Prosecutors’ meeting

Saturday’s government warning follows the conclusion of the 7th Prosecutors’ Conference of Somalia in Mogadishu this week, which marked a significant step in the nation’s fight against terrorism financing.

According to a government statement, this year’s conference focused on addressing the financial networks that support extremist groups, a critical challenge in ensuring national security and stability.

A government statement at the conclusion of the conference said that participants engaged in in-depth discussions and research on strategies to strengthen the legal framework and enhance inter-agency cooperation aimed at eliminating the financial resources that fuel terrorist activities.

“Officials at the conference emphasized the importance of robust legal measures and collaborative efforts in dismantling the financial infrastructures of terrorist organizations,” the statement said.

“This conference is part of the government’s broader efforts to secure Somalia’s future by targeting the economic lifelines of terrorism and ensuring that the rule of law prevails.” the statement added.

One of the keynote speakers of the conference was Regional Police Commander Moalim Mahdi, chief of the Banadir region that covers Mogadishu. He said taxes provided by traders to al-Shabab funded terrorist attacks that claimed innocent lives.

“The explosive attacks orchestrated by al-Shabab in the capital cost as much as $80,000 per operation, with Somali traders unknowingly funding the group’s activities,” Mahdi said.

Mahdi said that al-Shabab secures much of its operational funding through extortion from business owners in key commercial areas, including the Bakara Market, the biggest in Somalia.

He said the group uses extorted taxes to finance the manufacturing and transport of explosive devices, which are often smuggled into Mogadishu from the Shabelle and Jubba regions.

“Moving these explosives into the city requires substantial financial support,” Mahdi said.

“Each operation involves payments ranging from $10,000 to $80,000, and the vehicles carrying the bombs pass through at least nine intermediaries before reaching their target.”

Mahdi noted that many traders comply with the extortion demands out of fear of retaliation, but he warned that their payments are directly fueling attacks that harm innocent Somali civilians.

Deadly Roadside Blasts Target Puntland Troops in Fierce Anti-ISIS Offensive

The fight against ISIS in Puntland just took a deadly turn. A devastating roadside bombing in the Al-Miskaat mountains killed five Puntland soldiers and left 20 others wounded—a brutal reminder that ISIS is far from defeated. The attack comes as Puntland forces, backed by U.S. airstrikes, ramp up their military operations to crush the terror network entrenched in the region’s rugged terrain.

Despite the deadly ambush, Puntland troops aren’t backing down. In a significant counterstrike, they launched an offensive that successfully retook Dharin, a key area in Togjacel, which ISIS militants had controlled for years. Some terrorists were killed, while others fled into the mountains, proving that ISIS remains resilient but is on the run.

This latest clash underscores the brutal, high-stakes battle for dominance in Puntland. The Al-Miskaat mountains have long been a terrorist sanctuary, a base for ISIS to launch attacks, extort local communities, and smuggle weapons. But Puntland’s intensified military campaign—fueled by precise U.S. airstrikes—is turning the tide.

On February 1, American forces took the fight to ISIS leadership, executing deadly airstrikes that wiped out high-ranking commanders. This tactical hit has crippled ISIS’s command structure, weakening their ability to coordinate attacks.

Still, the war is far from over. ISIS fighters continue to plant deadly IEDs, targeting military convoys and slowing Puntland’s advance. But Puntland forces aren’t letting up—this battle for control is about eradicating terrorism at its core and securing stability in a volatile region.

With American firepower backing Puntland’s boots on the ground, the campaign to annihilate ISIS in the Al-Miskaat mountains is only intensifying.

The question is how long ISIS can hold out before being completely crushed.

Security forces in Puntland have captured Abdirahman Shirwac Aw-Saciid, the leader of the group’s assassination squad and a key operative in its extortion network. The arrest comes just two days after U.S. airstrikes targeted senior ISIS leadership, intensifying pressure on the group amid a growing Puntland offensive against both ISIS and Al-Shabaab.

A Crumbling Jihadist Network

Once seen as a fringe element compared to Al-Shabaab, ISIS-Somalia has rapidly expanded in recent years, fueled by foreign fighters and an enhanced financial system. The group has increasingly used sophisticated tactics, including booby-trapped vehicles, signaling an evolution in their operational capabilities.

Shirwac, also known as “Laahoor”, was captured in the Cal Miskaad mountains, a key hideout in Puntland’s Bari region, where the group has been entrenched. His role in assassination operations and extortion made him one of the most dangerous figures within Somalia’s ISIS faction.

Puntland’s Offensive and U.S. Military Support

The Puntland state government launched a full-scale offensive in December, targeting both ISIS and its longtime rival, Al-Shabaab. The Somali government, still struggling with decades of instability, sees Puntland’s campaign as a critical front in the battle against terrorism.

Meanwhile, U.S. airstrikes on Saturday in the Golis Mountains dealt another devastating blow to ISIS-Somalia, reportedly killing multiple high-ranking operatives. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized that these strikes were part of a broader strategy to dismantle ISIS’ global network.

The Bigger Picture: Somalia’s Security Crisis

While Al-Shabaab still remains the dominant jihadist force in Somalia, ISIS-Somalia has carved out a deadly foothold in Puntland and the northeast, leveraging extortion, smuggling, and foreign funding. The Somali government, backed by regional forces and U.S. military support, is racing against time to prevent ISIS from becoming an even greater threat.

The capture of Laahoor represents a significant victory for Puntland security forces. However, whether this momentum can be sustained—and whether Somalia can prevent an ISIS resurgence—remains the ultimate test. The war is far from over, but the tides may be turning against ISIS in Somalia.

President Donald Trump announced precision airstrikes on ISIS strongholds in Somalia, claiming to have eliminated high-value targets hiding in the Galgala Mountains in Puntland. The Saturday strikes, carried out by U.S. forces, marked a decisive push against Islamic State militants in a region long plagued by extremist insurgencies.

Trump’s Truth Social post framed the operation as a strategic blow to terrorists who “threatened the U.S. and its allies.” He emphasized that the strikes “destroyed the caves they live in” and eliminated many operatives—without harming civilians. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced this claim, stating that the attacks were highly precise, targeting a senior attack planner and other key figures.

While Somalia’s government welcomed the strikes, acknowledging the ongoing threat posed by ISIS-linked militants, the extent of their impact remains unclear. The Somali government has long relied on U.S. military support to counter both ISIS and Al-Shabaab, but previous airstrikes have drawn criticism for potential civilian casualties.

This latest operation signals a renewed Trump administration focus on counterterrorism efforts in East Africa, reinforcing America’s aggressive approach to eradicating jihadist networks beyond the Middle East. With Somalia remaining a contested battleground for both ISIS and Al-Shabaab, the question now is whether this high-profile strike is part of a broader U.S. military pivot in the region—or a short-term show of force amid rising geopolitical tensions.

The Hiran region has once again become a battleground as heavy fighting erupts between the Somali National Army (SNA), supported by local militia forces known as Macawisley, and Al-Shabaab militants. The battle, which broke out in Cadow Gureey, a key area within Buula Burte district, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing war against the terrorist group.

Combat has been particularly intense, with both sides deploying various types of weaponry, and reports indicate that fighting is taking place in the deserted rural areas of Hiran. This renewed offensive follows another brutal battle lasting over eight hours in the Jicibow area, near the Shebelle River. Government sources claim Al-Shabaab has suffered heavy losses, though official casualty figures remain unclear.

The militant group, notorious for its entrenched defensive strategies, has dug extensive trenches to slow the SNA and Macawisley forces. However, Somali military officials insist they are making steady gains, pushing deeper into Al-Shabaab strongholds.

Local sources say that much of the region has been abandoned by pastoralist families, with poor communication networks making it difficult to verify casualties or territorial control. Despite this, government forces remain determined to eliminate Al-Shabaab from Hiran, continuing a larger nationwide offensive aimed at liberating key territories from the terror group’s grip.

The battle for Cadow Gureey and Jicibow could prove pivotal in weakening Al-Shabaab’s presence in central Somalia. But as fighting intensifies, the humanitarian toll is expected to rise, with civilians caught between the advancing military and the militant group’s desperate attempts to maintain control.

Authorities intensify measures against undocumented individuals to curb links to ISIS and bolster regional security.

Puntland authorities have intensified efforts to curb security risks by launching a crackdown on undocumented foreign nationals, linking illegal migration to extremist activity in the region. The directive, issued by the Ministry of Interior, prohibits undocumented individuals from residing in Puntland and bans the entry of illegal migrants. This move comes as officials express increasing concern over reports of foreign nationals joining the ISIS militant group, which has been a persistent destabilizing force in the area.

The crackdown includes strict measures targeting telecommunications. Companies have been instructed to stop issuing SIM cards to individuals without verified identification, and existing unregistered phone accounts are being deactivated. These actions aim to disrupt communication channels that could be exploited by extremist groups.

Authorities have also moved to eliminate the presence of undocumented individuals occupying public spaces such as mosques, streets, and commercial centers. Small businesses operated by undocumented foreign nationals have been ordered to suspend operations until their legal status is verified.

This intensified campaign follows a recent incident in Bosaso, where security forces shot and killed a Yemeni national attempting to plant a landmine. Subsequent investigations uncovered hand grenades and bomb-making materials at the suspect’s residence. The individual, who had disguised himself as a trader selling prayer beads and perfumes, exemplifies the covert methods reportedly employed by extremist operatives.

The crackdown aligns with Puntland’s broader counterterrorism campaign, Operation Hillaac, targeting ISIS strongholds in the Al Miskaad Mountains. Since establishing a presence in Puntland in 2015, ISIS has exploited the region’s remote terrain to build extortion and smuggling networks, funding its destabilizing activities.

Puntland’s Minister of Information, Mahmoud Aydid Dirir, reiterated that amnesty is available to ISIS fighters, including foreign nationals, who voluntarily surrender. However, recent incidents underline the continuing threat posed by the group. On Monday morning, six Puntland security personnel were killed in a roadside explosion in the Bari region. In December 2024, ISIS launched a coordinated attack on a Puntland military base in Dharjaale, involving explosive-laden vehicles and foreign fighters. While the assault was repelled, it highlighted the group’s escalating boldness.

Puntland officials describe the crackdown as essential to maintaining regional stability and preventing the area from becoming a safe haven for illegal activities and extremist groups. These measures represent a critical step in Puntland’s broader efforts to enhance security and ensure the safety of its residents.