Garowe (Dawan Africa) – The Puntland Counter-Terrorism Operations unit announced on Wednesday that its forces have taken control of key areas previously used as hideouts by ISIS militants in the Al Miskad mountains, specifically in the Ballade Valley.
According to security officials, the cleared locations include Elka Garoba, Elka Dasaqan, Lugta Dhanan, Ablaya, and Dalfalo. Authorities said these areas were among the last remaining shelters for ISIS fighters in the region.
“Our forces have secured include Elka Garoba, Elka Dasaqan, Lugta Dhanan, Ablaya, and Dalfalo in the Al Miskad mountains, Ballade Valley. These were among the last hideouts of ISIS fugitives,” the Counter-Terrorism Operations unit said in a statement.
Images released by Puntland forces show troops inspecting caves and shelters they say were previously used by militants.
The Al Miskad range has long served as a refuge for armed groups, but Puntland authorities has previously stated sustained counter-terrorism operations are steadily limiting militant mobility and disrupting supply lines.
