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Puntland security forces carried out a major operation on Sunday in the Togga Daanyo area of the Calmiskaad mountains, targeting a group of ISIS militants that had been active in the Bari region. The operation was planned in advance and focused on a cell believed to be responsible for ongoing attacks and intimidation against local communities. According to Puntland authorities, the mission resulted in the killing of eight militants, marking one of the most significant blows recently dealt to the ISIS faction operating in the area.
Officials reported that the security forces engaged the group in two separate phases. In the early hours of the day, the first confrontation left three militants dead. Later, a second round of fighting resulted in the killing of five more members of the same cell. This brought the total number of militants killed to eight out of an estimated 10 individuals believed to be part of the targeted group. Authorities said the remaining members either fled, were injured, or are being actively pursued.
The militant cell was reportedly involved in collecting livestock that ISIS fighters had seized from communities in Sixna and Daanyo, particularly along the Jeceel River. This activity had caused growing tension and fear among residents, who depend heavily on livestock for their livelihoods. The security forces’ operation aimed not only to disrupt ISIS activities but also to reassure affected communities and restore stability in the region.
Despite the success of the mission, Puntland officials confirmed that three soldiers lost their lives during the clashes. The loss of these officers highlights the ongoing risks faced by security personnel working to counter extremist groups in Puntland’s rugged and often remote terrain. The fighting subsided by the afternoon, and sources familiar with the operation reported that the targeted group had been fully neutralized, bringing a temporary halt to militant activity in that specific area.
The operation comes at a time when ISIS elements in the Bari region have been attempting to reorganize following recent shifts in Puntland’s security positions. Just days before the Togga Daanyo operation, Puntland forces had withdrawn from Baallade, an area known as an ISIS stronghold. The withdrawal reportedly created an opportunity for ISIS fighters to re-emerge in the surrounding areas. Security sources noted that after Puntland troops pulled back from the Baallade crossings, ISIS militants began mobilizing, crossing through the Baallade stream and nearby locations in an effort to reassert their presence.
This activity raised concerns among both community members and security analysts, as Baallade has long been one of the most entrenched bases for ISIS in Puntland. The group’s ability to move freely in the area following the troop withdrawal suggested that it may try to strengthen its networks or regain control over routes used for movement, resource collection, and communication. The Sunday operation in Togga Daanyo appears to have been part of Puntland’s effort to disrupt this momentum and prevent ISIS from expanding its influence any further.
Local communities have expressed relief following the news of the successful mission, particularly in regions where livestock seizures and militant intimidation had become common. The government has emphasized that it remains committed to tackling extremist threats and protecting civilians, although it acknowledges that the fight against ISIS in the Bari region remains complex and far from over. Puntland authorities said they will continue monitoring militant movements closely and are prepared to launch further operations if necessary to maintain security.
As the situation continues to evolve, the Togga Daanyo operation stands as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against extremist groups across Somalia. While the elimination of key militants represents progress, officials stress that preventing ISIS from regrouping will require sustained efforts, coordination with local communities, and continued vigilance across the affected areas.