Puntland State of Somalia has initiated a significant military campaign against ISIS militants entrenched in the Al-Miskaad Mountains of the Bari region. This offensive, known as Operation Hilaac, commenced in late 2024 and has since led to substantial territorial gains and the dismantling of key ISIS strongholds.
Puntland forces have reclaimed over 260 square kilometers, including more than 100 ISIS hideouts comprising training camps, ammunition depots, and command centers. Notably, strategic locations such as Turmasaale and areas within the Gaatir Oodan region have been secured.
Over 200 ISIS fighters, including numerous foreign combatants, have been reported killed since the operation’s inception. Mass graves containing bodies of senior ISIS members have been uncovered, underscoring the operation’s intensity.
The United States has conducted multiple airstrikes in support of Puntland’s efforts, targeting ISIS hideouts and eliminating key operatives, including foreign fighters. These strikes have significantly disrupted ISIS’s operational capabilities in the region.
In light of ongoing military activities, Puntland authorities have urged nomadic communities in the Al-Miskaad Mountains to vacate areas near operation zones and escape routes within 24 hours to ensure their safety.
The Al-Miskaad Mountains have long served as a strategic sanctuary for ISIS militants, offering rugged terrain conducive to guerrilla warfare. The region’s proximity to the port city of Bosaso has enabled ISIS to exert control over vital supply routes and engage in illicit activities, including extortion and smuggling.
Puntland’s concerted efforts, bolstered by international support, aim to dismantle ISIS’s foothold in the region, restore stability, and prevent the influx of foreign fighters seeking refuge in Somalia.