Garowe, (Idil News) – Puntland a semi-autonomous state, has activated a large-scale military offensive against ISIS and Al-Shabaab militants entrenched in the Cal-Miskaad Mountains and other strategic areas of the Bari region.
The operation, codenamed “Operation Mountain Thunder,” marks a significant escalation in Puntland’s fight against radical and violent extremism.
Thousands of troops from multiple Puntland defense units, including the Dervish forces, Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF), and the Presidential Guard, have been mobilized. Military sources report the deployment of approximately 10,000 soldiers and hundreds of vehicles equipped with heavy weaponry, drones, and logistical support to the mountainous strongholds of the insurgents.
The operation, launched on Thursday, December 26, 2024, has seen forces deployed to the Dharjaale area in eastern Bari rrgion of Puntland. Senior military officials briefed the troops on their objectives and commanded them to maintain discipline and execute their mission with precision.
A Joint-Coordinated Offensive
The Puntland government made clear the comprehensive nature of the initiative plan, which includes:
- Establishing four temporary military bases in the combat zone.
- Deploying 100 medical aid vehicles and pre-preparing essential blood supplies.
- Setting up detention centers for captured militants.
- Preparing the judiciary and a press office to handle operational outcomes without prejudice.
“This is a modern and well-designed operation targeted at eliminating terrorist threats in Puntland and restoring peace to the region[…]
Al-Shabaab and ISIS’s days in the mountains are numbered as Puntland State finalized the last touches of the military offensive against them,” a senior Puntland security official told Idil News.
Warnings to Militants
The Puntland government issued a stern ultimatum to the militants, calling on them to surrender or face decisive action. ISIS militants in Puntland, bolstered by foreign fighters and illicit smuggling networks, have posed an increasing threat in the Horn of Africa, leveraging both maritime and land routes to sustain operations.
Strategic Importance
The offensive reflects Puntland’s commitment to asserting control over its territory, particularly in areas where insurgent activities have persisted. Some experts predict that the success of Operation Mountain Thunder could significantly weaken the combat capacity of ISIS and Al-Shabaab in Puntland, disrupting their broader activities in Somalia.
President Said Abdullahi Deni has stressed the importance of public support for the operation, calling it a pivotal step in securing the region and safeguarding the lives of its residents
Experts stated that Puntland’s proactive stance reflects its semi-autonomous status and complex relationship with Somalia’s federal government. The operation’s success could also resonate across the Horn of Africa, influencing regional stability and counter-terrorism strategies.
As the initial phases of Operation Mountain Thunder accelerates, Puntland’s forces remain poised for decisive action, with expectations of long-term gains in the fight against insurgency.
