U.S., Puntland Forces Strike ISIS Positions in Calmiskaad Mountains

GOOBJOOG NEWS | GAROWE: U.S. forces and Puntland security units carried out joint air and ground strikes on Tuesday against ISIS militants entrenched in the Calmiskaad mountain range, Puntland’s Counter-Terrorism Operations Centre (PLCTO) said.

In a statement on X, PLCTO said “high-value ISIS targets were struck in a joint air and ground operation carried out by Puntland’s U.S. partners supporting the ongoing mission,” adding that further details would be released once assessments are completed.

The Calmiskaad mountains in Bari region have long provided safe haven to ISIS-Somalia fighters, who have relied on the rugged terrain to evade security operations.

Puntland has stepped up offensives this year with backing from international partners, aiming to degrade the group’s ability to carry out extortion, targeted killings and recruitment across northern Somalia.

Tuesday’s strike is among the most direct joint actions between U.S. and Puntland forces in recent months, underscoring Washington’s continued support for regional counter-terrorism efforts.