Somalia, 9 October 2025 — Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni met with the UK Ambassador to Somalia, Charles King, on Wednesday to discuss ongoing security operations against Islamic State-affiliated militants in the Bari region’s Al-Miskaad Mountains.
The meeting, held in Bosaso, also focused on broader security cooperation and regional development priorities, according to a statement from the Puntland Presidency.
“The discussion focused specifically on the counter-ISIS operations underway in Al-Miskaad and the stabilization of areas that have been liberated from the extremists,” the statement said, emphasizing efforts on counterterrorism and local security.
The meeting was also attended by officials from the British Embassy in Mogadishu, Puntland ministers, security officials, and presidential advisers. The UK delegation also held separate meetings with members of the cabinet and security officials to review ongoing security coordination and development programs in the region.
Puntland forces have been engaged in military operations against ISIS elements in the Al-Miskaad Mountains since last year, successfully reclaiming key areas previously controlled by the group.
In February, nearly 70 people were killed and up to 50 others wounded in a fierce fight between ISIS fighters and Puntland forces in the Dharin and Qurac areas of the Al-Miskaad mountains. The operation was part of the ongoing military offensive dubbed “Hilac Campaign” against extremist groups in the Bari region.