IS-Somalia raises money to support its operations in the Horn of Africa. The International Crisis Group (ICG) reported in September 2024 that IS-Somalia is successfully gathering and distributing funds across its network.[7]
According to ICG IS-Somalia has become more powerful in recent years. Some reports suggest that its leader might now be the global head of the Islamic State, but this has not been confirmed. The militant has increased its recruitment worldwide and is involved in funding terrorist activities in different countries.[7]
In May 2024, IS-Somalia was linked to an attack on the Israeli embassy in Sweden. Authorities in the United States also arrested a Somali-American for inciting terrorism in New York.[8]
Although smaller than Al-Shabaab in southern Somalia, IS-Somalia has doubled in size within Somalia in 2024. The commander of the U.S. Africa Command, General Michael Langley, has warned that IS-Somalia is increasing its numbers, especially in northern Somalia.[8]
For months, clashes between Al-Shabaab and ISIS have intensified, including the use of IEDs and direct combat. While Puntland has been closely monitored, ISIS has managed to reduce Al-Shabaab's influence in the mountains. Puntland has historically shown strong defenses against insurgents, such as when its forces defeated an Al-Shabaab coastal attack in 2016, inflicting heavy casualties within a week.[3]
Puntland preparations
Puntland is mobilized ten thousand troops for a major operation targeting ISIS strongholds in the Cal Miskaad part of the Golis mountain ranges. These areas have long been a refuge for ISIS in Somalia, where they can regroup and recruit fighters.[3]
Puntland is taking a different approach to fighting terrorism than the national Somali government.[9]
Puntland broke off ties with the national government last March. Since starting its full-scale "hilaac" (or "lightning") offensive in December 2024, Puntland claims its forces have captured 48 caves and Islamic State outposts, and have destroyed dozens of drones and explosive devices.[9]
First phase
On December 31, 2024, Puntland forces successfully repelled an Islamic State attack on a military base in Dharjaale. This marked the first large-scale and sophisticated assault by ISIS in Somalia. The attack involved several foreign suicide bombers and Puntland forces killed at least twelve militants.[10] President Said Abdullahi Deni played an active role in the preparation for the operation, meeting with security officials in Bossaso.[10]
Second phase
Puntland deployed 500 elite soldiers from its defense forces and have graduated after months of intensive training, specifically for mountain and asymmetric warfare fully equipped with advanced technology to counter ISIS tactics, including anti-drone and IED jammers.[11]
After a month of fighting in the first phase, Puntland launched the second phase of its operations against ISIS in Cal Miskaad Mountains of the Bari Region.[12] The second phase began with intense ground combat, and the US military conducted an airstrike in the mountains.[13]
On 2 February, Puntland military spokesperson claimed that U.S. airstrikes against ISIL had killed 46 fighters in the Cal Miskaad Mountains's remote area.[17] On 3 February, Puntland police spokesperson confirmed that a senior commander of the Islamic State, Abdirahman Shirwac Aw-Said, the head of the group’s assassination squad, surrendered to Puntland forces.[18]
On 10 February, Puntland forces announced that, over the past 24 hours, airstrikes targeting Islamic State hideouts had killed more than 13 foreign militants in the Dhasaq area of Bari Region.[19]
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Puntland armed forces
