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For nearly a month, Somali security forces in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland have been advancing on Islamic State (IS) strongholds in the rugged mountains of northeastern Somalia. The offensive, which has seen fierce clashes and strategic victories, marks a significant step in the fight against the growing threat of IS in the Horn of Africa.
The most intense fighting occurred late last week when Puntland forces dislodged IS militants from Turmasaale, a critical location approximately 150 kilometers southeast of Bosaso. Turmasaale served as a key supply route for the militants, making its capture a major blow to IS operations in the region. Brigadier General Ahmed Abdullahi Sheikh, a former Somali army special operations commander, emphasized the importance of this victory. “This is where they were coordinating attacks, resupplying, and deploying drone ammunition and IEDs. Losing Turmasaale is a significant setback for them,” he said.
The Puntland offensive has not been without cost. Both sides have suffered casualties, with regional forces facing frequent attacks from improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a hallmark of IS tactics. Despite these challenges, Puntland troops have made steady progress, capturing several strategic locations, including caves, camps, and small villages. General Sheikh expressed confidence in the operation’s success, predicting a military victory before Ramadan, which begins in four weeks. “The mobilization has been exceptional, and the local communities’ support has been crucial,” he noted.
The presence of foreign fighters within IS ranks has added urgency to the campaign. Fighters from Ethiopia, Morocco, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, and Yemen have reportedly bolstered the group’s numbers, raising concerns about its expanding influence. A recent United Nations report estimated that IS-Somalia has more than doubled in size, with between 600 and 700 fighters now operating in the region.
IS-Somalia traces its origins to a group of al-Shabab defectors who pledged allegiance to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi a decade ago. Under the leadership of Somali-born cleric Abdulkadir Mumin, the group has grown into a formidable threat. Mumin, believed by some U.S. officials to be the emir of IS global, has been described as a pivotal figure in the organization’s operations.
The United States has played a supportive role in the fight against IS and al-Shabab in Somalia. Since President Joe Biden reversed the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw U.S. troops in 2022, approximately 500 American special operations forces have been deployed to assist Somali security forces. The U.S. has also conducted airstrikes targeting militant leaders, including a December 2024 strike that killed top al-Shabab commander Mohamed Mire.
Abdi Hassan Hussein “Abdi Yare,” Puntland’s former police chief and intelligence head, warned that the fight against IS could be prolonged. “The terrain is difficult, and the militants are prepared for a long-term conflict,” he said. Yare also cautioned that IS could resort to desperate measures, including attacks on civilians in cities like Bosaso, if pushed to the brink.
As the offensive continues, the stakes remain high for Somalia and the broader region. The success of Puntland’s forces could significantly degrade IS’s capabilities, but the group’s resilience and the influx of foreign fighters underscore the complexity of the challenge. For now, the momentum appears to be on the side of the Somali forces, offering a glimmer of hope in the ongoing battle against terrorism in the Horn of Africa.