Puntland regional authorities have confirmed that the leader of the Islamic State in Somalia, Abdikadir Mumin, has escaped, even as Puntland forces announced the capture of 98% of the Calmiskaat mountain range, a key ISIS stronghold in the Bari region.
Puntland regional authorities have confirmed that the leader of the Islamic State in Somalia, Abdikadir Mumin, has escaped, even as Puntland forces announced the capture of 98% of the Calmiskaat mountain range, a key ISIS stronghold in the Bari region.
General Mohamud Ahmed Faadhigo, spokesperson for the ongoing “Hillaac Operation,” told local media on Monday that international intelligence sources informed Puntland that Abdikadir Mumin had fled the mountains. He did not disclose when or how the ISIS leader managed to escape but stated definitively that Mumin is no longer in the area.
However, the group’s deputy leader and head of operations, Abdirahman Fahiye Isse Mohamud, is reportedly still hiding in the mountains. The Puntland forces are hopeful about his capture as operations continue.
On Sunday, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni announced the completion of the third phase of the counter-ISIS campaign, marking a significant blow to the group’s operational capacity in the region.
He also launched the fourth phase of the operation, which will focus on clearing smaller pockets where remaining ISIS fighters are believed to be hiding.
President Deni emphasized the scale and significance of the operation, noting that Puntland forces fought ISIS militants from various countries, including those from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. He said the operation has neutralized a serious threat to both Puntland and Somalia at large.
