In a harrowing incident on Tuesday morning, Puntland Deputy Speaker Mohamed Shire Baari narrowly escaped an attack by Islamic State (ISIS) militants in the Dharjaale area of Somalia’s Bari region. The attack marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Puntland authorities and militant groups operating in the region.
The assault began with a suicide explosion, reportedly carried out by a foreign fighter wearing a suicide vest. This was immediately followed by intense close combat between the militants and Puntland forces, who were led by Deputy Speaker Baari. He was in the region spearheading a campaign to eliminate ISIS influence in Bari, a stronghold for the group.
While Puntland forces successfully neutralized all militants involved in the attack, the assault resulted in casualties and injuries among Puntland personnel. The exact number of affected forces remains unconfirmed.
Puntland leaders have since convened in the area to strategize and intensify their anti-ISIS efforts.
The Puntland administration has been actively engaged in campaigns against both ISIS and Al-Shabaab militants, who pose persistent threats to peace and governance in Somalia. This latest incident demonstrates the group’s ability to conduct coordinated attacks despite ongoing counterterrorism operations.
