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Puntland authorities have confirmed that Abdikadir Mumin, the leader of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Somalia, has escaped during an ongoing military campaign targeting the group’s hideouts in the Calmiskaat mountains of the Bari region.
The operation, called Hillaac Operation, has been underway for weeks with the goal of wiping out ISIS presence in the region. On Monday, General Mohamud Ahmed Faadhigo, the official spokesperson for the campaign, told local media that international intelligence sources informed Puntland that Mumin is no longer in the area. However, they did not reveal how or when he escaped.
While Mumin may have fled, his deputy—Abdirahman Fahiye Isse Mohamud—who is also the group’s head of operations, is believed to still be hiding in the mountainous region. Puntland forces are continuing their efforts in hopes of capturing him soon.
So far, the Puntland military says it has taken control of 98% of the Calmiskaat mountain range, a critical ISIS stronghold in Somalia. The loss of this territory is seen as a major setback for the terror group.
On Sunday, Puntland’s President, Said Abdullahi Deni, announced the successful completion of the third phase of the operation. He described it as a significant achievement in weakening ISIS in Somalia. According to President Deni, this phase of the campaign involved intense battles with militants, some of whom came from different parts of the world—including Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
President Deni also launched the fourth phase of the campaign. This next step will focus on tracking down and eliminating smaller groups of ISIS fighters who may still be hiding in remote areas of the region.
The President praised the bravery and dedication of Puntland’s security forces, saying they have managed to neutralize a serious threat not only to Puntland but also to the wider Somali region. He added that this effort is an important part of keeping the country safe from terrorism.
The Hillaac Operation is considered one of the most successful anti-terror campaigns carried out by Somali regional forces in recent years. By capturing almost all of the Calmiskaat mountains, Puntland has struck at the heart of ISIS operations in the country.
While the escape of Abdikadir Mumin is a disappointment, officials believe that his ability to reorganize and pose a future threat has been greatly reduced. With much of his support base dismantled and top commanders either dead or on the run, ISIS is believed to be in a weakened state.
Security experts say that the continued pressure from Puntland forces is essential to prevent ISIS from regrouping. The regional government has promised to stay alert and follow through with the operation until the last remnants of the group are cleared.
Local residents have welcomed the operation, hoping it will bring long-term peace and stability to the region. Many have lived in fear of violence and extremist rule for years, especially in remote mountain villages once under ISIS control.
For now, Puntland remains focused on wrapping up the final phase of its offensive. Leaders say they are determined to make sure Somalia is no longer a safe haven for terrorist groups.