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Precision airstrikes in the Al-Miskaat Mountainseliminate ISIS fighters as President Mohamud strengthens federal support for Puntland’s counterterrorism efforts
Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali military forces, in coordination with U.S. Africa Command, conducted a series of precision airstrikes targeting ISIS militants hiding in the Al-Miskaat Mountains in Puntland’s Bari region. The strikes, carried out on the evenings of February 21 and 22, 2025, were part of a broader counterterrorism campaign aimed at eliminating ISIS strongholds in the region.
According to the Somali Ministry of Information, the operation successfully neutralized three ISIS fighters, and there were no reported civilian casualties. The government emphasized that the airstrikes were conducted with precision and careful planning to avoid harm to non-combatants. In collaboration with U.S. Africa Command, Somali federal authorities are closely monitoring the operation’s outcomes and have pledged to keep the public informed on further developments.
This latest offensive underscores the Somali government’s determination to eradicate ISIS-affiliated militants who continue to pose a significant security threat in Puntland and other parts of the country. The federal government has vowed to sustain military pressure on terrorist groups to restore stability and ensure long-term security.
In a significant political move, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud ann
ounced the formation of a special committee dedicated to overseeing federal support for Puntland’s battle against ISIS. This committee will coordinate efforts between the central government and Puntland’s leadership, ensuring a streamlined approach to intelligence sharing, logistical aid, and military assistance. The initiative aims to reinforce the operational capacity of Puntland’s security forces and enhance their ability to counter extremist threats effectively.
Addressing lawmakers at the opening session of the Somali Parliament on Saturday, President Mohamud reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting Puntland in its fight against terrorism. He emphasized that the federal government must guarantee that essential resources—including reinforcements, financial aid, weaponry, and humanitarian assistance—reach Puntland’s frontline forces in a timely manner. He further stressed the importance of unity between federal and regional forces to successfully dismantle ISIS cells and restore lasting peace in Somalia.
The recent airstrikes signal an intensified military campaign against ISIS, demonstrating the deepening cooperation between Somali and international forces in the fight against extremism. Security analysts note that the strategic targeting of ISIS positions in Puntland marks a crucial step in disrupting the group’s activities and preventing it from gaining further ground.
As operations continue, Somali authorities have urged local communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces in identifying and reporting any militant movements. The federal government remains committed to working alongside regional administrations and international partners to ensure the complete eradication of ISIS and other extremist elements threatening Somalia’s security and stability.