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Brigadier General Ahmed Abdi Ali Qarjab, better known as General Qalyare, was killed on Tuesday after a landmine explosion in Puntland’s Bari region. Security officials confirmed that the incident happened in the Dhasaan area while he was leading operations against Islamic State (ISIS) militants. The blast not only killed the commander but also wounded and killed several of his soldiers who were traveling with him. Puntland authorities have yet to release an official statement on his death, but the news has already shaken the region and drawn attention to the challenges of the ongoing fight against extremist groups.
General Qalyare had long been a key figure in Puntland’s efforts to drive ISIS militants from the rugged Calmiskaat Mountains, where operations have been ongoing for nearly a year. Despite the difficult terrain and the militants’ persistence, he remained deeply involved on the front lines. In fact, he had previously been injured during clashes in Calmiskaat but returned to the battlefield after receiving medical treatment abroad. His decision to return to active duty highlighted his determination and commitment to the mission, even at great personal risk.
The use of landmines and improvised explosive devices has become a new challenge for Puntland’s security forces. Initially, ISIS fighters relied on direct combat in the mountains, but after suffering heavy losses, they have shifted to roadside bombs, ambushes, and hidden mines as a way to inflict damage on government troops. This tactic has made the fight more unpredictable and dangerous, especially for officers and commanders who often lead their men in high-risk areas. Security officials believe that ISIS fighters are now regrouping in the Baallade stream area, continuing their attacks despite mounting pressure from Puntland’s forces.
General Qalyare’s death marks a significant loss for Puntland at a time when the region is already facing high casualties among its senior military leadership. Over the past months, several top commanders have been killed or injured while leading operations against ISIS, a sign of how costly this campaign has become. The loss of experienced leaders weakens morale on the ground and complicates the coordination of counterinsurgency efforts. For soldiers and civilians alike, his death is a reminder of the steep price paid in the fight against terrorism in northeastern Somalia.
Many in Puntland remember General Qalyare not only as a military commander but also as a symbol of resilience. His willingness to return to the front lines after his earlier injury made him an example of courage for his troops. Now, his killing underscores the seriousness of the threat posed by ISIS in the region and the sacrifices being made to combat it. The militants remain under constant pressure, but their ability to adapt and resort to guerrilla-style tactics shows that the fight is far from over.
The explosion that claimed General Qalyare’s life reflects a wider pattern of extremist groups using landmines to destabilize security forces in Somalia. It also highlights the urgent need for more effective countermeasures, including better equipment, training in mine detection, and stronger intelligence gathering. Without these, Puntland’s security forces remain vulnerable to hidden threats that can undo months of hard fighting.
As Puntland grieves the loss of General Qalyare, his death will likely fuel renewed determination among his fellow soldiers to continue the battle he helped lead. The fight against ISIS in the Calmiskaat Mountains has been long and costly, but his memory will stand as a powerful reminder of the risks faced by those on the front lines.