United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) Commander General Michael Langley has voiced significant concerns regarding the increasing presence of ISIL militants in Somalia’s Puntland state.
While not providing specific numbers, Langley highlighted that the number of militants has grown compared to last year, drawing attention to Abdikadir Mumin, the leader of IS-Somalia, amid reports that he might have ascended to the position of Daesh’s global Amir.
In his interview with VOA News, General Langley emphasized that the U.S. is closely monitoring this development, while also addressing the diplomatic tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia.
He remarked that the potential impact of this crisis on joint anti-Al-Shabaab operations remains uncertain.
Gen. Langley added that there have been “limited operations” involving Ethiopia thus far, and noted that “time will tell” if these tensions will influence the broader offensive against Al-Shabaab.
