The Puntland FMS Government of Somalia has released the identities and nationalities of several high-ranking ISIS leaders eliminated during a major counter-terrorism operation in the Al-Miskad mountain ranges of the Bari region.
The announcement comes as Puntland security forces, backed by intelligence and local cooperation, intensify operations aimed at dismantling the ISIS network entrenched in the rugged terrain of northeastern Somalia.
Among those confirmed killed in the offensive are: Abdihakim Badiin Mawaled, of Yemeni descent, who served as the head of the group’s policing department (Hizba). He was “fluent in Somali and had deep operational knowledge of local terrain.”, the statement states.
Marwan Abdrizk, a Tunisian national, who led the foreign fighters division. Known for his multilingual capabilities, he played a key role in ISIS’s international recruitment efforts.
Barow Abdi Mo’alim, a Somali national from Gedo, who held the position of chief administrative officer (Idaarad) for Shebaab-Dhaasaan, an affiliate sub-unit operating under ISIS structures.
Ahmed Salah Sudani, of Sudanese origin, who was responsible for religious outreach (Da’wah), playing a major role in ideological indoctrination and propaganda dissemination.
Ibrahim Hayyan, a Moroccan national, served as the head of the explosives department and was “believed to be behind several deadly IED campaigns.”
Dr. Hakeem Ubeyda, from Malaysia, led the group’s medical operations and was reportedly involved in treating injured militants and foreign operatives.
Ahmed Muse Said, a native of Bari region, was in charge of ISIS’s external relations. Fluent in Arabic and English, he acted as a key liaison between the group and foreign extremist networks.
The statement stated that the successful neutralization of these operatives marks a significant blow to ISIS’s command and logistical capabilities in Somalia. Puntland authorities praised the ongoing efforts of their security forces and vowed to continue rooting out terrorist cells in the region.
Security analysts describe this development as a major setback for the terror group, which has faced growing pressure in recent months due to targeted offensives by Somali security forces and their partners.
The Puntland FMS government reiterated its commitment to eliminating terrorism and restoring stability in the Bari region and across Somalia.
Mustaqbal
