Bosaso — Puntland government defense forces conducting an ongoing counter-ISIS operation in the Al-Miskaad mountains have killed three members of the militant group and captured another, officials said on Tuesday.
According to a statement from the Hilaa’ operation command, the militants killed during the clash were nationals of Morocco, Ethiopia, and Somalia. The captured fighter, described as a foreign national, is reportedly from Tanzania.
The incident occurred as Puntland forces tightened their offensive in the rugged Al-Miskaad range, a long-time hideout for ISIS-Somalia cells.
Officials said the unit encountered a group of roughly forty ISIS members who had recently robbed a nomadic family living in the Dhidigale area. The troops reportedly engaged the group after surrounding them near the Baallade stream.
Puntland authorities say the broader operation aims to dismantle ISIS strongholds in the remote mountains and restore security to local communities affected by the group’s activities.
Further details on the ongoing operation and the condition of the captured militant have not yet been released.
