Al-Miskaad, Puntland – U.S. forces alongside Puntland security units conducted joint air and ground operations on Tuesday against ISIS militants positioned in the Al-Miskaad mountain range, according to Puntland’s Counter-Terrorism Operations Centre (PLCTO).
PLCTO indicated that high-value ISIS targets were hit during a collaborative air and ground effort by Puntland’s U.S. partners as part of the ongoing mission, with more information to follow after assessments.
The Al-Miskaad mountains in the Bari region have served as a refuge for ISIS-Somalia fighters, who use the difficult terrain to avoid security forces.
Puntland has intensified its campaigns this year with support from international allies, seeking to weaken the group’s capacity for extortion, assassinations, and recruitment in northern Somalia.
Tuesday’s operation represents one of the most direct collaborations between U.S. and Puntland forces lately, highlighting Washington’s ongoing commitment to regional counter-terrorism initiatives.
