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At least ten ISIS militants were killed in recent airstrikes carried out by the United States in northern Somalia. According to a statement released on Tuesday by Puntland’s anti-ISIS command, the strikes targeted hidden militant hideouts in the mountainous region between the Balade and Miraale valleys.
The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that the airstrikes were aimed at ISIS fighters who had taken shelter in caves in the Shakalayan area. This rugged and hard-to-reach terrain has long served as a refuge for militants fleeing military operations. Puntland officials said the fighters were already on the run after weeks of pressure from local security forces.
The airstrikes are the latest development in a major anti-terror campaign led by Puntland authorities to remove ISIS from the region. Just two days earlier, Puntland’s Counter-Terrorism Service successfully captured what is believed to be the headquarters of ISIS in the Miraale Valley. That operation also secured nearby strategic assets, including water wells and defense positions that the group had controlled for several years.
Puntland’s campaign against ISIS has gained momentum in recent months, with military officials now reporting that most areas once under ISIS control have been recaptured. For nearly 15 years, ISIS maintained a strong presence in parts of northeastern Somalia, using the region’s harsh terrain to hide from both local and international forces. But the recent success of Puntland’s operations appears to be turning the tide.
According to security sources, the remaining ISIS fighters are now regrouping near the Balade River, which is close to the coastal city of Bosaso. This area is believed to be strategically important for the militants because it provides natural cover from aerial attacks and is relatively close to supply routes. However, officials say the militants’ ability to launch future attacks has been significantly reduced.
Military commanders in Puntland believe the long-running battle against ISIS is now nearing its conclusion. The recent airstrikes and ground operations have not only removed top commanders but also destroyed key supply chains, weapons caches, and communication lines used by the group.
“The liberation of the Miraale Valley was a turning point,” said one military official involved in the operation. “ISIS no longer has the same power or influence in the region. Their fighters are scattered and on the run.”
Local residents have also expressed hope that peace will finally return to their communities. Many towns and villages that were once under ISIS control are now seeing the return of normal life. Schools are reopening, roads are being repaired, and families displaced by years of violence are beginning to return.
The Puntland government has promised to continue working with international partners, including the United States, to prevent the group from regaining strength. AFRICOM has also stated its commitment to supporting regional efforts to fight terrorism and promote long-term stability in Somalia.
Although the threat from ISIS is not yet fully eliminated, the recent successes by Puntland’s forces and their allies mark a significant step forward in the fight against terrorism in Somalia. Authorities remain alert to the possibility of isolated attacks or sleeper cells, but the overall outlook is more positive than it has been in years.
As operations continue, military leaders say they are focused on maintaining pressure on the remaining militants and ensuring that recaptured areas are protected from any possible return of extremist groups.