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.

Puntland forces face escalating drone threats as they intensify efforts to eliminate ISIS strongholds in the Bari region.

Puntland forces in Somalia suffered a deadly drone attack by ISIS, resulting in the death of one soldier and injuries to three others. The attack, which involved an explosive-laden drone, occurred in Janno Jiifta, an area recently liberated from ISIS by the Puntland Defense Forces (PDF).

The drone, detonated near Puntland soldiers, highlights ISIS’s growing use of advanced weaponry in its operations. This comes shortly after Puntland forces seized eight explosive-packed drones from captured ISIS bases in the same region. According to a Puntland military official, these drones pose the “biggest threat” to their efforts to dismantle the group.

In response to the attack, Puntland forces have launched additional operations targeting Togga-Jeel, where ISIS fighters are believed to have regrouped. The operations are part of a broader campaign to destroy ISIS’s presence and weapon caches in the Calmikaad mountains of the Bari region.

Despite the casualties, Puntland forces have successfully captured critical ISIS bases in Janno Jiifta, a significant step in their fight against the group.

The Bari region, particularly the Calmikaad mountains, has long served as a base for ISIS operations in Puntland. The group has used the area to launch attacks and stockpile weapons, including drones equipped with explosives. Puntland’s efforts to secure these regions are crucial for stabilizing the area and curbing ISIS’s influence.

While Puntland forces continue to make progress in reclaiming ISIS-held territory, the increasing use of drones by ISIS highlights the evolving nature of the threat. With intensified operations targeting key strongholds, Puntland remains committed to eliminating ISIS and securing peace in the region. However, the fight ahead will likely require greater resources and regional cooperation to address the sophisticated tactics employed by the group.

Deadly Attack by ISIS Highlights Growing Threat in Bari Region

At least 13 Puntland soldiers lost their lives, and over seven others sustained injuries on Monday in a deadly landmine explosion in Somalia’s Bari region. The explosion struck an army vehicle carrying Puntland forces engaged in a counter-terrorism mission targeting ISIS militants in the Habley area.

Military officials confirmed that the attack was orchestrated by ISIS, using a roadside mine to devastate the convoy. Some of the injured later succumbed to their wounds, raising the death toll and leaving a grim reminder of the dangers facing Puntland forces in their ongoing fight against extremism.

The attack occurred just days after Puntland officials visited Tasjiic, a nearby area, to rally community support for the military campaign. Officials appealed for livestock donations to bolster troop morale and reinforce efforts to dismantle ISIS strongholds in the mountainous Bari region.

Puntland’s forces have been waging a protracted battle to root out ISIS militants entrenched in remote and rugged terrain, which provides a natural fortress for insurgent activities. The Habley explosion underscores the mounting challenges these forces face, with ISIS employing increasingly lethal tactics to thwart the government’s operations.

The incident is a stark reminder of the human cost of Puntland’s campaign to neutralize ISIS militants and secure stability in the region. As the conflict intensifies, the local government faces growing pressure to adapt its strategy and enhance protections for its security personnel while maintaining the support of affected communities.

Eight Daesh bases destroyed, drones downed in intense operations targeting militants in the Al-Miskaad mountains.

Puntland’s defense forces have launched a decisive offensive against Daesh militants in the Al-Miskaad mountains of the Bari region, dismantling critical strongholds and disrupting operations in the area. The operation, which targets militant positions, underscores Puntland’s commitment to eradicating extremist groups entrenched in its territory.

The Puntland Marine Police Force (PMPF) announced the destruction of at least eight key Daesh command centers and bases across strategic locations, including streams and mountainous regions such as Lugele, Dhabanacado, Il-Ameyro, Hoobato, Tagtag, and Baal-Gorey. These areas have long served as fortified hubs for extremist activity, complicating counterterrorism efforts in the region.

In a significant development, Puntland forces also shot down drones reportedly used by Daesh for reconnaissance and operational planning. Images of the downed drones, described as spy aircraft, highlight the group’s increasing reliance on technology to bolster its activities.

The operation yielded additional gains, with Puntland forces recovering weapons and ammunition abandoned by retreating militants. However, the situation remains volatile, with opposing movements and clashes continuing in key locations such as the Toga Il-Ameyro area.

Puntland’s campaign to liberate the mountainous Bari region reflects a broader strategy to reclaim territories controlled by extremist groups. These efforts are critical in addressing the persistent security threats posed by Daesh and ensuring stability in the region.

The success of this offensive will be closely monitored as Puntland seeks to dismantle Daesh’s operational network and prevent the group from regrouping in the strategically significant Al-Miskaad mountains.

Minister Ali Yusuf Hoosh accuses Puntland President Deni of neglecting counterterrorism, enabling ISIS to strengthen its grip.

The Puntland administration has come under intense scrutiny for its perceived inability to address the escalating ISIS threat in the region. Somalia’s Federal Minister of Interior, Ali Yusuf Hoosh, has accused Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni of neglecting the region’s security needs, allowing ISIS to entrench itself further in Puntland’s rugged Al Miskat Mountains since its foothold was established in 2015.

Minister Hoosh’s criticism follows the recent ISIS assault on a military base in Dharjaale, which left scores of soldiers dead or injured, according to conflicting accounts from ISIS and Puntland authorities. The minister emphasized that Puntland’s leadership has failed to prioritize counterterrorism, instead pursuing policies that he claims are divisive and self-serving.

The Al Miskat Mountains have become a stronghold for ISIS, enabling the group to exploit Puntland’s strategic location for smuggling and extortion operations. The group’s activities now pose a significant threat to regional stability, raising concerns about the administration’s lack of a cohesive security strategy.

Minister Hoosh urged Puntland’s intellectuals and citizens to challenge the leadership’s trajectory and advocate for policies aligned with national unity and solidarity. His call for accountability also highlights the Somali federal government’s recent successes in governance and security, underscoring Puntland’s critical role in fostering political stability across Somalia.

As Puntland grapples with these challenges, its leadership faces mounting pressure to adopt effective counterterrorism measures and address the governance issues fueling discontent among its populace. The region’s response to these critiques will be pivotal in determining its ability to combat the persistent ISIS threat and restore public trust.