Puntland Forces Capture Major ISIS Bases, Kills Militants in Bari Region Offensive

GOOBJOOG NEWS|BARI: Puntland Defense Forces have overrun key ISIS strongholds in Bari region after days of heavy operations targeting the group’s hideouts in the rugged Calmiskaad Mountains, officials confirmed on Wednesday.

The offensive, which lasted 72 hours, saw Puntland troops seize strategic bases in Eelka Al-Baraka, Af-ka Dharimood, Eelasha Burti-Iise, and other villages along the Baallade valley. At least 15 ISIS fighters were killed during the battles, according to a statement from Puntland’s Anti-Terrorism Command.

“The army is still conducting operations to clear the last pockets of ISIS militants from Baallade valley,” the statement read. “In the latest phase, we captured key positions including Eelka Al-Baraka and Af-ka Dharimood, and killed nearly 15 fighters.”

Officials described the operation as part of the fourth phase of Operation Hilaac, a wide-ranging air, land, and sea campaign aimed at dismantling ISIS in Puntland. Authorities said the latest successes mark some of the most significant gains against the group in recent years.

The Almiskaad Mountains have long served as a hideout for ISIS fighters since the group first emerged in Somalia in 2015 after splitting from al-Shabaab. While al-Shabaab remains the dominant insurgent force in the country, ISIS has carved out a smaller but persistent presence in parts of Bari, often clashing with Puntland forces.

Despite the gains, security sources caution that the situation remains volatile, with troops still carrying out mop-up operations in remote areas. Local residents report ongoing troop movements and air surveillance in the mountainous terrain.

Puntland authorities have pledged to continue the offensive until ISIS is completely eradicated from the region.