UK Pledges Support as Puntland Forces Root Out ISIS

by: Horn Observer Contributor | 24 February 2025 22:36

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UK Pledges Support as Puntland Forces Root Out ISIS

BOSASO, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – The United Kingdom has pledged support for Somalia's Puntland state as regional forces continue their fight against ISIS militants in the Cal Miskaad mountains.

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Just a day before the victory in Sheebaab, outgoing British Ambassador Mike Nithavrianakis visited Bosaso, Puntland's strategic port city and the base of the counterterrorism operation.

BOSASO, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – The United Kingdom has pledged support for Somalia's Puntland state as regional forces continue their fight against ISIS militants in the Cal Miskaad mountains.

The counterterrorism operation, which began in December with backing from U.S. AFRICOM and the UAE through airstrikes, has resulted in the deaths of dozens of militants.

On Monday, Puntland counterterrorism forces took control of Sheebaab town, a significant ISIS stronghold that had served as the group’s headquarters.

The government announced the completion of the second phase of the operation, marking a major victory against the terror group.

However, top ISIS leaders, including Abdiqadir Mumin, remain at large after fleeing their stronghold.

Just a day before the victory in Sheebaab, outgoing British Ambassador Mike Nithavrianakis visited Bosaso, Puntland’s strategic port city and the base of the counterterrorism operation.

"It was very good seeing Puntland President @HESaidADeni in Bosaso today. The UK will be supporting #OpHilac against Daesh with medical supplies, among other things,” Nithavrianakis posted on X.

The ambassador, whose assignment ends in May, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to standing with Puntland in its fight against terrorism.

The Puntland president’s office confirmed the meeting, attended by government officials, focused on the ongoing counterterrorism operations. The UK praised Puntland’s efforts and also discussed strengthening UK-Puntland cooperation, ongoing development projects, and the broader security situation in Somalia.

The British ambassador, whose assignment ends in May, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to standing with Puntland in its fight against terrorism.

During Monday’s operation, Puntland forces uncovered an underground hideout where ISIS leader Abdiqadir Mumin had been residing.

The hideout, hidden beneath a tomato farm to evade airstrikes, contained a tunnel several meters deep, an oxygen tube, and solar-powered lighting. Despite the discovery, Mumin was not captured.

Meanwhile, Puntland’s Police Chief, General Mumin Abdi, has urged civilians to remain vigilant, warning that fleeing ISIS fighters may try to hide among the local population.

"We want all Puntlanders to be vigilant as the ISIS terrorists fleeing from Cal Miskaad are trying to hide within the civilian population and might cause harm,” General Mumin Abdi said.

With ISIS leadership on the run, Puntland security forces continue their pursuit of the remaining militants.