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Somalia’s Puntland State has called on international partners for logistical and technical support to sustain its ongoing military operations against ISIS militants entrenched in the Bari region. The offensive, which has been underway for the past six weeks, is considered one of Puntland’s most challenging battles against the group, targeting its strongholds in the Al-Miskaat Mountains.
General Abdirahman Mohamed Jama, the commander of the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF), reaffirmed Puntland’s determination to combat ISIS but stressed the urgent need for external assistance. He highlighted the necessity of advanced military equipment, including drone interceptors, mine detectors, and night vision devices, to effectively combat the militants who have used the region’s rugged terrain to their advantage. Despite ongoing efforts, Puntland forces face significant logistical constraints, limiting their ability to maintain consistent pressure on the group.
Puntland is not seeking direct foreign military intervention but rather intelligence-sharing, equipment, and logistical support to enhance its operational capabilities. General Jama emphasized that Puntland forces are fully committed to eradicating ISIS but require modern technology and resources to sustain the fight. The request for international support comes as Puntland forces have successfully recaptured hundreds of square kilometers previously controlled by ISIS, disrupting the group’s ability to extort local communities.
The Bari region has long been a stronghold for ISIS militants, who have exploited its mountainous terrain to establish a foothold in Somalia. The terrorist group has carried out numerous attacks, targeting security forces, businesses, and civilians, while also engaging in extortion and smuggling operations. Puntland’s military offensive aims to weaken the group’s influence and cut off its revenue sources, but the lack of adequate resources has made progress slow and costly.
Security officials believe that continued pressure on ISIS in the Al-Miskaat Mountains could significantly degrade its operational capacity. However, without external assistance, sustaining long-term military operations remains a challenge. Puntland’s leadership has repeatedly warned that without international cooperation, the group could regain lost ground, posing a threat not only to Somalia but to the wider region.
The ongoing offensive has already led to significant territorial gains, with Puntland forces reclaiming key areas previously under ISIS control. These victories have disrupted the militants’ ability to operate freely and have forced them to retreat into more remote areas. Nevertheless, ISIS remains a formidable adversary, and Puntland’s forces continue to face ambushes, roadside bomb attacks, and guerrilla warfare tactics.
Puntland’s government has also highlighted the broader security implications of the conflict, warning that a failure to contain ISIS could allow the group to expand its influence in Somalia and beyond. The region’s proximity to strategic maritime routes adds another layer of concern, as ISIS could potentially exploit coastal areas for smuggling operations and illicit trade.
With Puntland’s forces stretched thin, international backing could prove decisive in determining the outcome of the conflict. Military analysts argue that providing Puntland with advanced reconnaissance technology, better communication systems, and specialized training could significantly enhance its ability to dismantle ISIS’s networks in the region.
As Puntland continues its fight against ISIS, the need for sustained military and intelligence support from international partners becomes increasingly urgent. The outcome of this conflict will have far-reaching consequences for Somalia’s security landscape, and without external assistance, Puntland’s ability to maintain momentum against ISIS could be at risk.