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A deadly confrontation between Somalia’s Puntland security forces and Islamic State (IS) militants has resulted in more than 20 deaths and over 10 injuries during two days of intense fighting, according to officials. Puntland security spokesperson Brigadier General Mohamud Mohamed Ahmed confirmed that 15 IS militants and seven Puntland soldiers were killed in the clashes, which took place Sunday and Monday near the Ufeyn area in the Bari region.
The ongoing military offensive aims to dislodge IS fighters from their hideouts in the Cal Miskat mountains. During the operation, IS fighters used improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to defend their positions. Tragically, as Puntland soldiers attempted to clear the explosives, one device detonated, killing six soldiers and injuring three others. Despite the setback, Puntland forces continued their assault and reportedly killed eight militants during the engagement.
On Monday, security forces encountered another group of IS fighters in the Laba-Afle area, resulting in the deaths of seven militants. However, the battle also claimed the life of one Puntland soldier and left four others injured. Residents near the conflict zone reported seeing the bodies of militants scattered along the roads leading into the mountains, indicating the severity of the fighting.
The Puntland government launched the military offensive last month after months of preparation, with the regional leader, Said Abdullahi Deni, calling on the public to support the efforts to eradicate IS militants from the area. Puntland has faced numerous terrorist attacks from both IS and al-Shabab fighters, but the current focus remains on IS strongholds in the mountainous terrain.
Although the IS presence in Somalia is smaller compared to the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab group, security experts have raised concerns over the growing influence of IS militants in the region. Reports indicate that IS has been steadily increasing its membership, with current estimates placing the number of fighters between 500 and 600. The majority of these recruits are said to have arrived from the Middle East and parts of eastern and northern Africa, signaling a broader expansion of the militant group’s reach.
IS in Somalia was initially formed in October 2015 by former al-Shabab members led by Sheikh Abdulkadir Mumin, who pledged allegiance to the late IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Despite reports of Mumin being targeted by a U.S. airstrike in May 2024, he is believed to have survived and continues to lead operations in the region.
Security analysts have also highlighted concerns over IS-Somalia’s role as a financial hub for the global Islamic State network. According to intelligence reports, IS-Somalia has been increasingly involved in facilitating financial operations and logistical support for the broader organization, raising alarms about its expanding capabilities.
The United Nations has warned of escalating IS activities in Somalia, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the group reportedly intensifying its recruitment and operational efforts across these regions. U.S. military officials have also acknowledged the growing threat posed by IS in Somalia, noting that the group has successfully doubled its size over the past year.
In response to the escalating threat, Puntland security forces are committed to continuing their offensive operations to neutralize the militant threat and restore stability in the region. The Puntland administration has emphasized the importance of community cooperation in counterterrorism efforts, urging residents to report suspicious activities and support ongoing military operations.
As the fighting continues, security forces remain on high alert, with further operations expected to target remaining IS strongholds in the Cal Miskat mountains and other areas. The government has reiterated its determination to eliminate the presence of extremist groups and ensure the safety of Puntland’s residents.