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    Puntland Deports Hundreds of Undocumented Ethiopians Amid ISIS Recruitment Concerns

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    Somali Magazine - People's Magazine

    Authorities in Puntland have deported approximately 1,000 undocumented Ethiopian nationals from Garowe, the regional capital, as part of an intensified operation targeting foreigners without legal status. The mass deportation, conducted on Wednesday, follows heightened security concerns about foreign nationals reportedly being recruited by the Islamic State (ISIS) in the region.

    The deportees, who had been detained for two days, were transported by trucks to the Somali-Ethiopian border. Sources within Puntland’s security sector suggest the move is directly linked to ongoing counterterrorism operations, particularly following military campaigns against ISIS strongholds in the Al-Miskaat mountains of the Bari region.

    While Puntland officials have yet to issue a formal statement on the deportation, the regional administration’s actions align with an aggressive stance against undocumented migration and perceived security threats. Recent reports indicate that some deported individuals had previously been denied entry into Puntland, while others had established small businesses in Garowe and surrounding areas.

    Public sentiment appears to have played a role in the crackdown. Demonstrations have erupted at key points, including airports in Garowe and Bosaso, where residents protested the presence of foreign nationals, primarily from Ethiopia. Community members have expressed concerns over the potential security risks posed by undocumented migrants.

    The Puntland government has faced increasing pressure to address security challenges, especially in the face of ISIS-affiliated activities in the region. The group’s presence in remote mountainous areas has prompted ongoing military operations, with local security forces working to dismantle terrorist networks.

    Security analysts warn that the deportation of undocumented migrants, while addressing immediate security concerns, may have long-term implications for Puntland’s economic stability and regional relations. Many of the deported individuals had contributed to the local economy through small-scale enterprises and trade.

    The issue of undocumented migration is not new to Puntland. As a transit hub for migrants seeking to reach other parts of Somalia or neighboring regions, the state has grappled with a complex web of human movement, often complicated by security threats and limited resources for proper migration management.

    The deportation highlights the broader challenges facing Somalia and its federal states as they navigate issues of migration, security, and governance. With Puntland taking a firm stance against undocumented migration, questions remain about the fate of those deported and whether Ethiopia will provide them with the necessary support upon their return.

    Authorities in Puntland have reiterated their commitment to maintaining security and safeguarding the region from extremist threats. However, they have called on international partners to assist in strengthening border management and addressing the root causes of irregular migration.

    As Puntland continues its military operations against ISIS and tightens its immigration policies, the deportation serves as a stark reminder of the region’s precarious security situation. The move underscores the government’s determination to prevent foreign nationals from exacerbating the threat of extremism.

     

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