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In a significant blow to the Islamic State (IS) group in Somalia, the Puntland Defence Forces announced on January 25, 2025, that they had seized control of a strategic mountain command base previously held by the militants. The operation, part of a broader offensive against IS in the semi-autonomous region, marks a critical milestone in the fight against terrorism in the Horn of Africa.
The captured base, located in the Golis Mountains near the town of Turmasaale, had long served as a key logistical hub for IS operations in the region. According to the Puntland army, the base was vital for the group’s movements and connections to other strongholds. “The terrorists were controlling this township for a long period, and it was very important for their movements and connecting to the various locations where they are based,” the army said in a statement.
A frontline commander described the base as “one of the biggest” used by IS in Somalia, housing logistics, wounded fighters, and even serving as a residence for the group’s leadership in recent years. While the commander did not explicitly name Abdul Qadir Mumin, the Puntland native believed to lead IS in Somalia, the reference suggests the base played a central role in the group’s operations.
The Puntland Defence Forces launched their offensive against IS in late December 2024, targeting the group’s presence in the rugged Golis Mountains. The operation has been conducted independently, without support from Somalia’s federal government in Mogadishu, highlighting the semi-autonomous region’s self-reliance in addressing security challenges.
IS has maintained a relatively small but growing presence in Somalia, overshadowed by the more dominant Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab. However, experts have warned of IS’s increasing activity in the region, particularly in Puntland, where the group has exploited the mountainous terrain to establish bases and recruit fighters. The capture of the Turmasaale base is seen as a major setback for IS’s ambitions in Somalia.
The victory comes amid ongoing tensions between Puntland and the federal government, which have often clashed over governance and security issues. Puntland’s ability to conduct such a high-stakes operation independently underscores its military capabilities and determination to combat terrorism within its borders.
The Puntland army’s statement emphasized the historic nature of the victory, calling it a turning point in the fight against IS. “The security forces made historic victories over the war against the IS terrorist group after taking control of Turmasaale town today,” the statement read.
The operation also highlights the broader challenges facing Somalia as it grapples with multiple security threats. While Al-Shabaab remains the primary insurgent group in the country, the rise of IS in certain regions has added another layer of complexity to the conflict. The federal government has struggled to maintain control over vast swathes of territory, leaving regional forces like those in Puntland to take the lead in securing their areas.
As Puntland celebrates this strategic victory, questions remain about the long-term stability of the region. The capture of the IS base is a significant achievement, but the group’s ability to adapt and regroup cannot be underestimated. Continued vigilance and cooperation between regional and federal authorities will be essential to prevent IS from regaining a foothold.
The Puntland Defence Forces’ success in Turmasaale is a testament to their resilience and commitment to combating terrorism. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges Somalia faces in its quest for peace and stability.