Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
At least ten Puntland security officers were killed and five others wounded after their vehicle was hit by an explosion along the Daraymadobe road between Qurac and Gaatir-Oodan, near the Jeceel River in Somalia’s Bari region. The incident, which took place on Wednesday, targeted members of the Third Brigade of the Puntland Darawiish forces who were on a mission to eliminate ISIS militants hiding in the Baallade River area.
According to security sources, the troops had been conducting a routine counterterrorism operation when the blast struck their convoy. The explosion, believed to have been caused by a roadside bomb planted by ISIS fighters, completely destroyed the vehicle and left several soldiers dead at the scene. The wounded were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
The attack is the latest in a string of deadly explosions targeting Puntland’s security forces in the region. Over the past few months, Puntland has suffered several similar incidents, many of them in areas recently liberated from ISIS control. Security analysts say these attacks are meant to discourage ongoing military operations against the group and demonstrate its continued presence despite major territorial losses.
Earlier this month, Puntland lost one of its most senior officers, General Abdi Ali Qalyare, in a similar roadside explosion. His death was seen as a major blow to the regional counterterrorism efforts, as he had been leading several successful offensives against ISIS cells in the Bari mountains. Since then, Puntland forces have intensified their operations, vowing to continue the fight until the group is completely eradicated from the region.
Local authorities have accused some rural residents of aiding ISIS fighters by providing them with shelter and information on troop movements. These alleged collaborations have made it difficult for security forces to maintain control over remote areas where militants often hide and plant explosives. Several suspects have been arrested in connection with the recent attacks and are currently being held in Bosaso for interrogation.
Despite the setbacks, Puntland Defense Forces have continued their operations in the mountainous and riverine areas of Bari, where ISIS is believed to be regrouping. On Tuesday morning, security officials reported that Puntland forces carried out a successful operation in the Al Barako and Shinkaalayin wells in the Baallade Valley, killing three ISIS militants. Officials say the offensive was part of a larger campaign aimed at dismantling the group’s hideouts and supply routes.
The ongoing fight against ISIS in Puntland has proven to be both difficult and costly. The militants, though few in number compared to Al-Shabaab, have taken advantage of the rugged terrain of the Bari region to carry out deadly ambushes and bombings. Their tactics rely heavily on improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted along key routes used by government forces. Security experts believe the group is trying to maintain relevance and disrupt stability in the region by targeting Puntland’s security apparatus.
Puntland authorities have vowed to strengthen intelligence operations and improve coordination with local communities to prevent future attacks. Officials have also called on residents to cooperate with security forces by reporting suspicious activities and helping identify those working with ISIS. The regional government says it remains committed to restoring full peace and stability across the Bari region, despite the persistent threat posed by extremist groups.