Puntland forces launched a successful operation against ISIS in the Dharin area, eliminating at least 20 foreign fighters, capturing a key base and weapons cache. The action followed recent U.S. airstrikes and reflects Puntland’s ongoing campaign against terrorism in the region. Tensions persist with Somalia’s federal government over credit for the operation.
Puntland security forces have executed a significant operation against ISIS strongholds in the Dharin region, advancing 17 kilometers from Turmasaale. This offensive, which followed recent U.S. airstrikes, resulted in the elimination of at least 20 foreign ISIS fighters, marking a substantial success in counterterrorism efforts. Additionally, Puntland forces captured a large cache of weapons and military supplies left behind by the fleeing militants.
During the operation, Puntland forces successfully took control of one of the last three ISIS command centers in the region, with 24 bodies identified on the battlefield. The campaign is part of a broader initiative aimed at dismantling ISIS operations rooted in Puntland’s challenging mountainous terrain, where insurgents have historically thrived.
The operation in Puntland emphasizes the ongoing struggle against ISIS in a region that has become a strategic base for the group in the Horn of Africa. The involvement of foreign fighters indicates how this conflict transcends local borders, highlighting Puntland’s critical role in combating transnational terrorism. Despite the local forces’ successes, there are underlying tensions regarding credit for the operation within Somalia’s federal structure.
The offensive by Puntland forces against ISIS has led to significant achievements, including the elimination of foreign militants and the capture of strategic resources. However, the Puntland forces suffered casualties, and tensions with the federal government regarding credit for these efforts pose challenges. This operation illustrates Puntland’s crucial role in the fight against global terrorism and the complexity of regional power dynamics.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
