Bari (Dawan Africa) – Puntland’s counter-terrorism forces launched a military operation on Sunday targeting areas in the Cal Miskaad mountains, an area believed to be a stronghold for the Islamic State (ISIS) group in northeastern Somalia.
According to a statement posted on the official Puntland Counter-Terrorism Operations account, the mission is focused on the Rasaqan Well area in Yucrin, a rugged part of the Bari region. The operation aims to clear remnants of terrorist elements from this strategic mountainous region.
"The forces are today conducting a clearance operation against terrorist remnants in Rasaqan Well, in the Yucrin area of the Cal Miskaad Mountains," the statement said.
The operation’s primary target is believed to be ISIS militants who have used this area as a hideout, including foreign women and children, according to the statement. However, there has been no independent verification of these claims as of yet.
While the report did not provide details about casualties, arrests, or whether specific targets were neutralized, Puntland officials had earlier described this operation as part of the "final phase" of their campaign against ISIS in the region. They also emphasized that much of the Cal Miskaad mountain range has already been cleared of militant presence.
The Cal Miskaad region has long been viewed as a potential safe haven for ISIS-affiliated groups, though independent verification of the exact number or strength of militants in the area remains limited.
