Bosaso, Somalia – Puntland Counterterrorism Forces, with support from the United States, successfully captured Abdiweli Mohamed Aw Yusuf, also known as Walalac, a senior ISIS operative responsible for the group’s finances and foreign coordination. The arrest took place during a precision raid in the Laag area of Xumbeys, authorities confirmed on Friday.
According to Puntland officials, Walalac was apprehended alongside two other suspected militants during the overnight operation, which targeted a known ISIS hideout. He has long been on Puntland’s most-wanted list due to his key role in funding terror operations and serving as a liaison between the ISIS faction in Somalia and international networks.
The raid was the result of sustained intelligence sharing and coordination between Puntland security forces and international partners, particularly the United States, which has supported Somalia’s broader counterterrorism efforts through intelligence, logistics, and targeted support missions.
Sources familiar with the operation reported that no casualties were sustained among security personnel during the mission. The detainees are currently being interrogated by Puntland authorities, with further investigations underway to uncover additional links to ISIS networks both inside and outside Somalia.
The successful operation marks a significant victory in the fight against the Islamic State in Somalia, which has operated mainly in remote areas of Puntland’s Bari region and has been involved in assassinations, extortion, and the recruitment of foreign fighters.
Security analysts say the arrest could disrupt planned attacks and degrade the group’s ability to fund operations, particularly as ISIS-Somalia has increasingly relied on financial contributions and smuggling routes managed by figures like Walalac.
Authorities have vowed to continue targeting extremist leaders and dismantling their operational infrastructure, reaffirming Puntland’s commitment to regional security and counterterrorism.