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In a renewed call for unity, religious leaders in Puntland have urged communities to rally behind the ongoing military campaign against ISIS militants entrenched in the Al-Miskaat Mountains of the Bari region. The clerics emphasized the importance of financial and moral support for the Puntland State Army, highlighting the urgency of collective action in eliminating the militant threat.
During a public sermon, Sheikh Mohamud Haji Yusuf underscored the need for clan cooperation to ensure the success of the military offensive. He called on communities to contribute resources and stand in solidarity with the Puntland government.
“When fighting these men, we must unite, and with God’s help, we will defeat them. The clans must financially support the Puntland government, and whatever can be done should be done. These militants have caused immense suffering to the nation,” said Sheikh Yusuf.
Echoing Sheikh Yusuf’s sentiments, Sheikh Ali Maah, a prominent religious leader based in Bosaso, expressed concerns about the growing presence of foreign fighters within ISIS ranks. He urged the Puntland administration to enhance scrutiny of foreigners entering the region, warning that many ISIS militants in Puntland are not Somali nationals.
“These foreigners, who commit crimes in their home countries, have infiltrated Somalia. The public must stand with the Puntland forces to ensure they are dealt with,” he stated.
The ISIS faction in Somalia is believed to have between 700 to 1,500 fighters in the mountainous areas of Puntland. Though much smaller than the al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabaab, which controls vast parts of southern and central Somalia, the group has become an increasingly significant part of the Islamic State’s global network.
Analysts have noted a concerning evolution in ISIS’s activities in Somalia, with reports last year suggesting that Abdulqadir Mumin, the group’s leader in Puntland, had been elevated to a global leadership role within ISIS. U.S. officials were cited as sources for these claims, though the Islamic State has not publicly confirmed the development.
The clerics’ call for unity comes at a time when Puntland’s security forces are intensifying their efforts to reclaim strategic positions in the Al-Miskaat Mountains, a region known for its rugged terrain that offers a haven for militant groups. The Puntland government has repeatedly highlighted the challenges of combating militants in the area, including limited resources and the complex geographical landscape.
Religious leaders have historically played a pivotal role in galvanizing public support for military campaigns in Somalia. Their influence in fostering community cohesion is viewed as critical in addressing the security threats posed by militant groups. The recent call for unity underscores the ongoing struggle to achieve peace and stability in Puntland, which has faced sporadic attacks from ISIS militants over the years.
As the Puntland State Army continues its operations, there is growing hope that collective community efforts, guided by religious leadership, will contribute to dismantling the ISIS stronghold in the region. The clerics’ message of unity and cooperation aims to inspire a robust response against the militant threat while fostering a renewed sense of national solidarity.