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Community Leaders Criticize Somali Government’s Inaction, Praise U.S. and UAE Support in Counterterrorism Efforts
Members of Minnesota’s Somali community, many originally from Puntland, are frustrated with the Somali government for not doing enough to fight ISIS. They are supporting Puntland’s forces and appreciating the help of the U.S. government, especially former President Donald Trump.
On February 1, Trump ordered airstrikes on ISIS hideouts in Puntland’s remote mountains. These strikes reportedly killed an ISIS leader and several other militants.
At a press conference on February 7, Twin Cities attorney Abdifatah Mohamed criticized the Somali government for failing to protect its people and for making the fight against ISIS political. He spoke alongside other community leaders and elders. Despite the government’s lack of involvement, Puntland’s military campaign, called “Operation Hillaac,” has been successful in driving out ISIS fighters.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has made fighting terrorism a priority. On February 1, he thanked the U.S. for its “unwavering support” and praised Trump’s leadership in counterterrorism. He posted on social media that terrorism would not find a home in Puntland or the rest of Somalia.
However, critics argue that the Somali government has neglected its citizens while trying to take credit for Puntland’s successes. Mohamed pointed out that the government has refused to issue passports to wounded Puntland soldiers who need medical treatment abroad. This, he said, is an example of how the government is not supporting Puntland’s fight against ISIS.
Mohamed Dini, a Somali parliament member and longtime Minnesota resident, said that Puntland’s fight against ISIS has deepened the political divide between Puntland and the federal government. He criticized the Somali government for not providing any assistance.
“This is not just a local militia,” Dini said. “ISIS is an international terrorist network. They are well-funded, well-trained, and come from over 21 different countries.” He emphasized the need for the Somali government to get involved and for the U.S. to continue its military operations against ISIS, as the threat from Somalia could impact global security, including the U.S.
Despite the lack of federal support, Puntland’s forces, with help from the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have made significant progress against ISIS. This week, Puntland authorities announced that their forces, backed by UAE airstrikes, killed at least 44 ISIS militants in the Al-Miskaad Mountains.
Mohamed Keynan, who leads the Puntland diaspora community in Minnesota, called on Somali Americans to support Puntland’s fight against ISIS. He encouraged them to contribute both financially and morally, saying that local fundraising efforts are already underway to help Puntland’s military efforts.
“We are ready to step up and answer the call to fight terrorism,” Keynan said.