Puntland State Reports Strategic Gains Against Terrorist Groups in Bari Region

GOOBJOOG NEWS | GAROWE: Somalia’s Puntland state has said it has made significant progress in its ongoing offensive against terrorist groups operating in Bari region following the capture and destruction of a militant base located at the Al-Miskaad mountains.

The move marks a significant gain by the regional forces and deals a major blow to the terror groups by disrupting their operations in the mountain areas within the region.

The capture of the base which acted as a key command center for the militants and used by the militants to store weapons, supplies, and housing training facilities, came following a coordinated operation which led to the death of at least 13 ISIS militants.

Videos released by Puntland forces appeared to show troops celebrating their victory after seizing yet another base at Ildab area.

The regional authority said its forces had liberated over 260 kilometers of territory during the offensive and destroyed more than 100 bases used by the groups.

“Our security forces have sacrificed themselves to secure these areas which had been under militant control. We call upon the residents of Puntland state to unite against the presence of international terrorist groups infiltrating the country,” Puntland counterterrorism Centre stated in a statement.

The statement added that the ISIS militants deployed six drones targeting the forces but the troops successfully shot them down – highlighting evolving tactics used by the militants.

The Puntland government has pledged to secure the liberated areas and restore essential services to its residents.