Puntland Mobilizes to Counter ISIS Threat in Northeastern Somalia

In response to the growing threat of ISIS in north-eastern Somalia, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has unveiled a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy aimed at dismantling the militant group’s presence in the region. Following his re-election in January, Deni has prioritized the formation of a unified front to combat ISIS’s expanding operations in the mountainous districts of the Bari region, particularly in the Almiskaad and Almadow mountains.

Growing ISIS Presence

Recent intelligence assessments indicate a concerning increase in the number of ISIS fighters in Puntland. It is estimated that between 1,000 and 1,200 militants are operating in the Bari region, with the majority—approximately 60%—being foreign nationals. These fighters are reportedly coming from neighbouring countries including Ethiopia, Yemen, Kenya and Tanzania. In addition to their strongholds in the rugged terrain, ISIS is believed to have established at least 10 military bases in the Almiskaad mountains.

ISIS Shifts Focus to Global Terrorism and Financial Growth

In recent years, ISIS has experienced a decline in local terror attacks while simultaneously expanding its financial resources and global terrorist operations. The group’s income in Somalia has surged dramatically, rising from $70,000 per month in 2018 to $2.5 million in 2021 and over $2 million in the first half of 2022.

A UN monitoring group report from February 2023 revealed that the ISIS Regional Coordination Office in Africa was remitting $25,000 per month in cryptocurrency to ISIS-Khorasan Province in Afghanistan, indicating a shift towards international terrorism financing.

Strategic and Operational Challenges

Military analysts caution that the Puntland forces face significant challenges in addressing the ISIS threat. The mountainous terrain in the Almadow and Almiskaad regions is notoriously difficult for large-scale military operations, and the region’s scarce water resources make logistics a persistent challenge. Moreover, the harsh winter conditions between November and January pose additional hurdles, limiting mobility and further complicating military campaigns.

Adding to the complexity, local clan dynamics remain a key factor. Longstanding inter-clan grievances and rivalries may hinder efforts to gain the full cooperation of the local population, which is crucial for counter-insurgency operations.

Regional and Global Implications

ISIS’s ambitions in the Horn of Africa appear to be expanding. The group’s recruitment efforts have extended beyond local Somali communities, targeting refugees from Ethiopia’s Oromo region, and forging connections with other militant groups, including the Houthi rebels in Yemen. There are growing concerns that ISIS could threaten strategic maritime routes in the Gulf of Aden, a vital shipping lane for global trade and a key chokepoint for international shipping.

As ISIS solidifies its foothold in Puntland, there are fears that the group could use the region as a springboard for further expansion into neighboring countries, exacerbating an already volatile security situation in the Horn of Africa.

ISIS Bases in the Cal Miskaat Mountains

Intelligence reports indicate that the Islamic State (ISIS) group has established approximately 10 military bases within the Cal Miskaat mountains, situated between Il and Cameero. Key bases are concentrated in the areas of Moqoro, Dhabancaddo, Canjeel, Siido, along the Balade stream (which flows into Bosaso), and near the village of Turmasaale.

Furthermore, ISIS has constructed a network of roads connecting these bases, extending to regions such as Gargoore near the Indian Ocean, Hantaara, the Xabley stream, and the village of Tasjiic.

Leadership and Strategic Positioning

Under the leadership of Abdulqadir Mumin (now known as Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurashi), ISIS has demonstrated a sophisticated organizational structure. The group has key leadership positions filled, including:

1. Abdirahman Fahiye Cisse (Economy and Finance)
2. Abu Yahya (Zakawaat Fund Head)
3. Abu Dalha (Intelligence)
4. Abu Ma’arik, a Yemeni (General Trainer)

Puntland’s Response: A Coordinated Approach

In a bid to neutralize the growing ISIS threat, the Puntland government is mobilizing a multi-faceted approach. Central to the strategy is the reinforcement of local security forces, including the mobilization of Puntland’s Dervish forces, which has been deployed in the Carmo district of the Bari region. The government is also working to isolate and weaken ISIS’s control over key areas by targeting terrorist infrastructure, disrupting supply chains, and cutting off access to vital resources such as food and water.

“We must act swiftly and decisively,” said President Deni in a recent address. “This is not only a battle for the security of Puntland, but for the future of our people. We need the support of every Somali, every clan, and our international partners to rid this region of the scourge of terrorism.”

President Deni also stressed the importance of addressing the underlying vulnerabilities that ISIS has exploited, such as economic hardship, clan divisions, and refugee displacement. The Puntland government is working to strengthen ties with local communities and provide essential services in areas most affected by ISIS activities.

International Support and Cooperation

The Puntland government has called for increased international cooperation to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts. President Deni has emphasized the need for foreign aid in terms of military training, intelligence sharing, and financial assistance. With ISIS operating in a region as strategically significant as Puntland, international support will be crucial in preventing further destabilization of the Horn of Africa.

The Puntland government’s primary objectives are clear:

• Weaken and isolate ISIS’s operational bases in the Almiskaad mountains.
• Address local vulnerabilities that have allowed terrorist organizations to thrive, including economic deprivation and clan rivalries.
• Enhance border security to prevent illegal immigration and reduce the movement of foreign fighters into Somalia.
• Protect local communities from terrorist violence and recruitment.

In his call for a unified national effort, President Deni reiterated that the fight against ISIS is a collective responsibility that extends beyond Puntland’s borders. With international support and local cooperation, Puntland hopes to create a security environment that is both stable and resilient to the forces of extremism.

The fight against ISIS in Puntland is not just a local security issue, but a critical front in the global battle against terrorism.

Mohamed Osman – Horseed Media