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An ISIS-led assault in Puntland’s Bari region has left one soldier dead and nine others injured, underscoring the ongoing security challenges faced by the semi-autonomous Somali state. The attack, which occurred on Monday night in the Xabley area of Ufayn district, targeted a Puntland Defense Forces base in the Dhaban-Qooxle mountains. The clashes lasted until dawn, with Puntland forces reportedly repelling the militants and inflicting casualties on their ranks.
The assault is part of a series of recent ISIS attacks in Puntland, where the group has maintained a presence in the rugged Calmiskaad mountains. A day prior to the base attack, ISIS militants detonated a roadside bomb targeting an ambulance and a vehicle carrying Puntland soldiers, causing additional casualties. These incidents highlight the group’s ability to launch coordinated strikes despite ongoing military operations aimed at dismantling its strongholds.
Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has condemned the attack and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eradicating ISIS from the region. Speaking during a visit to injured soldiers at Bosaso General Hospital, Deni expressed solidarity with the victims and vowed to intensify military efforts. “We will not rest until Puntland is free from the grip of terrorism. Our forces are determined to eliminate these threats and restore peace to our communities,” he stated.
The Puntland Defense Forces have been engaged in long-running operations against ISIS militants in the Bari region, with recent efforts focusing on the Calmiskaad mountains. These operations, now in their third phase, aim to clear out remaining ISIS elements and secure key areas. However, the group’s ability to regroup and launch attacks has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current strategies.
ISIS’s presence in Puntland dates back to 2015, when the group established a foothold in the region under the leadership of Sheikh Abdulqader Muumin, a former Al-Shabaab cleric. The group has since exploited Puntland’s remote terrain and historical ties to smuggling networks to finance its operations. Despite facing pressure from Puntland forces and international allies, ISIS continues to pose a significant threat to regional stability.
The attack has drawn condemnation from both regional and international communities, with calls for increased support to Puntland’s counterterrorism efforts. The United Nations and African Union have pledged to provide technical and financial assistance to bolster security measures. Meanwhile, local leaders have urged the federal government of Somalia to play a more active role in addressing the threat posed by ISIS.
Humanitarian organizations have also expressed concern over the impact of the conflict on civilians. The Bari region has seen a rise in displacement as families flee areas affected by violence. Aid agencies are working to provide medical supplies and support to those injured in the attacks, but access to remote areas remains a challenge.
As Puntland intensifies its military operations, the focus remains on dismantling ISIS’s infrastructure and preventing further attacks. Analysts have emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that includes addressing the root causes of extremism, such as poverty and unemployment. Strengthening governance and promoting economic development in affected areas are seen as critical steps toward achieving long-term stability.
The deadly attack in Puntland serves as a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges facing Somalia and the broader region. While Puntland’s forces continue to make strides in combating terrorism, the road to peace remains fraught with difficulties.