Puntland forces kill ISIS fighters in operation

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Puntland forces kill ISIS fighters in operation

GAROWE (HORN OBSERVER) - Security forces in Somalia's northeastern regional state of Puntland have killed over ten ISIS fighters following a covert operation against the group's newly formed base in the north of the state.

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GAROWE (HORN OBSERVER) - Security forces in Somalia's northeastern regional state of Puntland have killed over ten ISIS fighters following a covert operation against the group's newly formed base in the north of the state.
According to a statement, Puntland security forces acting on intelligence reports, have attacked the ISIS training base in Balidhidin locality in Bari region.

"Puntland Security Forces (PSF) have killed 12 fighters following fierce fighting with the group. The forces also destroyed a base in Miskaad village,” the statement reads in part.

ISIS and Al-Shabaab fighters have been operating in northeastern Somalia for the past few years.

The groups carried out deadly attacks in major towns of Puntland state. ISIS operate in Golis Mountains while Al-Shabaab fighters are based in Galgala mountains.

Both militant groups also carry out attacks and assassinations against military bases, civil servants and other government officials in southern Somalia.

Under the leadership of Abdulkadir Muumin, the ISIS group is estimated to have up to 300 active fighters. Since its formation, ISS probably managed to take control of a small, sparsely populated territory in northern Somalia's mountainous hinterland.

On the other hand, Al-Shabaab began in late December 2006 as a splinter group of the Islamic Courts Union (ICU), after the Islamic Courts Union peacefully withdrew from Mogadishu and the ICU leaders, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys, resigned and disbanded the Islamic Courts Union.

The group has thousands of fighters operating in south and central Somalia.

They carry out deadly attacks on military bases with the latest one taking place on Barire and Awdhegle town.

Following hours-long fighting with SNA soldiers in both towns, the group claimed to have killed more than 40 soldiers, a claim dismissed by SNA leadership.