Bosaso, Puntland – the United States military provided critical support to Puntland’s counter-terrorism forces by airdropping essential supplies to troops engaged in fierce battles against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in the Cal-Miskaad mountains of the Bari region.
The airdrops, facilitated by U.S. military aircraft operating from Bosaso, delivered food and equipment to remote areas inaccessible by ground transport, particularly in the Baalade Valley.
According to a statement from Puntland’s Counter-Terrorism Operation Hillaac, the supplies were airlifted to support forces stationed in the rugged Cal-Miskaad mountain range, where Operation Hillaac, a large-scale offensive launched in November 2024, targets ISIS strongholds. “Tonight, the Puntland Government successfully airlifted food supplies and equipment to its counter-terrorism forces, facilitated by our U.S. partners,” the statement read.
The U.S. has also intensified its support through airstrikes this week, targeting ISIS hideouts in the Cal-Miskaad mountains. The Puntland Counter-Terrorism Command confirmed that these strikes hit key militant positions, further weakening the group’s operational capacity. The coordinated efforts mark a significant escalation in the joint campaign to dismantle ISIS-Somalia’s leadership and infrastructure.
Puntland’s Operation Hillaac has made notable gains, with forces capturing strategic locations and disrupting ISIS activities in the region. The U.S. assistance, including aerial surveillance and logistical support, underscores the international commitment to combating terrorism in Somalia, despite limited involvement from the federal government in Mogadishu.
