Puntland, Somalia – The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), working in close coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, has concluded a two-week counterterrorism operation targeting ISIS-linked militants entrenched in northern Somalia’s Puntland region.
According to officials, the campaign focused on the rugged Golis Mountains, long regarded as a key hideout for ISIS-Somalia leadership and fighters. The mountainous terrain, stretching across Bari region, has provided the group with cover for training camps, weapons storage, and operational planning.
AFRICOM said the operation included precision airstrikes and intelligence-led maneuvers aimed at disrupting the network’s command structure. Somali security officials confirmed that several militant positions were neutralized, though details on casualties and material losses were not immediately released.
“The strikes were carefully coordinated with Somali authorities to ensure accuracy and minimize civilian impact. Our objective remains to degrade ISIS-Somalia’s ability to conduct attacks and destabilize the region,” AFRICOM said in its statement.
Puntland security forces also played a direct role, providing ground support and intelligence. Local officials in Bari region said the strikes had put pressure on ISIS operatives, some of whom are believed to have fled deeper into remote areas.
ISIS-Somalia, though significantly smaller than al-Shabaab, has maintained a presence in Puntland since 2015. The group has been involved in assassinations, extortion, and sporadic clashes with both government forces and Al-Shabaab fighters. Analysts say it uses the Golis Mountains as both a recruitment hub and a financial base, exploiting local smuggling routes.
Security experts noted that the latest operation signals a sustained U.S. commitment to backing Somalia’s fight against both ISIS and Al-Shabaab, particularly as the African Union’s ATMIS mission transitions to a new security framework under Somali leadership.
The Somali government welcomed the operation, saying it aligns with ongoing national efforts to eradicate extremist threats across the country.
“These joint operations are vital in our mission to protect Somali citizens and restore stability,” a federal security official told reporters in Mogadishu.
While the operation is seen as a significant setback for ISIS-Somalia, officials cautioned that the group remains a persistent threat, requiring continued vigilance and coordinated counterterrorism efforts.
