Garowe (Idil News) โ Puntland forces successfully thwarted a coordinated assault by Islamic State-affiliated militants in Wadi Dharjaale, under the Alula district of the Bari region, early-morning Monday. The attack, which involved two suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (SVBIEDs) and 10 attackers, marked a significant escalation in the regionโs ongoing conflict with the extremist group.
The militants, four of whom detonated person-borne IEDs (PB-IEDs) within the military camp, caused injuries to several Puntland soldiers. The operation, which began at approximately 4:30 a.m. local time, highlighted the increasing sophistication of IS-Somaliaโs tactics.
According to Puntlandโs Minister of Information, Mohamud Aidid Dirir, the attackers included individuals of Ethiopian and Arab origin, with some identified as Syrian, Moroccan, and Yemeni nationals. They detonated explosives before being neutralized by Puntland forces.
A Growing Threat
The Dharjaale assault is the latest in a series of IS-Somalia attacks that underline the groupโs growing threat to Somaliaโs stability. IS-Somalia, an offshoot of the Islamic State (IS), has been active in Somalia since 2015 and is concentrated in the northeastern regions and some parts of southern regions.
While Al-Shabaab dominates southern Somalia with a focus on domestic objectives, IS-Somalia has positioned itself as a transnational group aligned with global jihadist movements. Its increasing recruitment of foreign fighters highlights its expanding network and reach.
The involvement of foreign fighters in Dharjaale adds to the urgency of regional cooperation and intelligence sharing to disrupt these networks.
Puntlandโs Counteroffensive
Puntland authorities responded swiftly, launching a counteroffensive against IS-Somalia positions in the nearby Al-Miskad mountains. The operation, which employed both ground troops and air support, aims to degrade IS-Somaliaโs operational capabilities.
In recent years, Puntland has enhanced its security infrastructure, investing heavily in counter-terrorism measures and border security.
While the immediate threat has been neutralized, Puntland faces ongoing challenges in countering IS-Somaliaโs influence and preventing further destabilization.
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Reported by Dr Xiddig