
Security forces from Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region have seized key territories from the Islamic State (IS) in an extensive military campaign, officials said, marking one of the largest operations against the group in recent years.
The offensive, which began in late December, has resulted in the capture of dozens of IS bases and the deaths of at least 85 militants, Puntland authorities said. The region’s forces are now calling for increased international support to sustain their momentum against the group, which has grown in significance within IS’s global network.
Gains in a Strategic Battleground
Puntland’s security forces have retaken approximately 250 square kilometers of land, including the village of Balidhidin, a former IS stronghold in the rugged Golis Mountains. The area had been under militant control for a decade, forcing many residents to flee harsh IS rule, including the assassination of a local district commissioner in 2021.
“We lived in constant fear,” said Balidhidin resident Saido Abdirahman, who recently returned home. “Even as women inside our homes, we felt threatened.”
IS in Somalia is significantly smaller than the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab, but it has gained prominence in recent years, bolstered by foreign fighters and extortion revenues. Reports last year suggested that its leader, Abdulqadir Mumin, may have been elevated to IS’s global leadership, though the group has not confirmed this.
U.S. Airstrikes and International Implications
The U.S. military has periodically targeted IS positions in Somalia, including airstrikes last week—the first under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. Puntland officials say they need additional foreign assistance, including military hardware and counter-drone technology, to combat IS more effectively.
“This is an international war on terror,” said Puntland’s Information Minister Mohammed Aided. “We urge the international community to provide us with experts and equipment to help neutralize terrorist threats.”
Puntland’s relations with Somalia’s federal government have been strained, with the regional administration ceasing recognition of Mogadishu last year. However, Somali Information Minister Daud Aweis stressed the need for a unified national strategy, acknowledging Puntland’s counterterrorism efforts.
“The Somali federal government maintains ongoing security engagements with relevant stakeholders, including Puntland, to ensure the effectiveness of counterterrorism operations,” Aweis said.
Analysts suggest that Washington, which has criticized Mogadishu’s leadership in the past, may look to deepen direct security ties with Puntland as part of broader efforts to combat extremism in Somalia.
The U.S. State Department has yet to comment on Puntland’s request for support.