Airstrikes and ground operations have intensified in Somalia’s Puntland State as security forces continue their offensive against ISIL (Daesh) militants in the Al-Miskaad mountains.
On Tuesday night, unidentified airstrikes targeted ISIL hideouts, reportedly killing at least 15 fighters, including foreign militants, according to security sources.
Earlier in the day, Puntland Defense Forces (PDF) engaged in fierce clashes with ISIL fighters in the Togga Jacayl area, resulting in fatalities on both sides. The skirmishes culminated in the capture of Dharin, a strategic ISIL stronghold in Togjaceel, marking a significant blow to the group’s presence in the region.
“The forces have forcefully taken control of the terrorist group from the Dharin area in Togjaceel, with some of Daesh’s militants killed and others fleeing,” Puntland military command said in a statement.
Images released by Puntland authorities from the battlefield show the aftermath of the fighting. Some of the images seen by Mustaqbal are very graphic .
Meanwhile, Puntland forces have fortified lower areas of the Al-Miskaad mountains to prevent ISIL militants from escaping, as the offensive continues with both air and ground operations. The Puntland Counterterrorism Forces announced on their official X account that their troops are making rapid advances into ISIL enclaves, aiming to eliminate the remaining fighters.
This latest escalation follows Puntland State House’s recent statement confirming that drones from the United States and the United Arab Emirates have been participating in airstrikes against ISIL in the region. However, the origin of the latest airstrikes remains unconfirmed.
Security analysts note that Puntland has been ramping up efforts to neutralize ISIL in the region, particularly in the mountainous terrain of Al-Miskaad, where the group has maintained a presence. The ongoing operations are expected to continue in the coming days as Puntland seeks to eradicate ISIL influence from its territory.
