BOSASO (WDN) – The Mayor of Bosaso, Abdifitah Mohamed Osman (Shanle), has issued a stern warning to local businesses, demanding financial support for Puntland’s ongoing military offensive against ISIS militants entrenched in the Al-Madow mountains under Operation Calmiskaad.

Speaking at a press conference recently, Mayor Shanle called on all commercial entities in Bosaso to shoulder their responsibility by contributing to the logistical and medical needs of Puntland security forces, particularly those wounded in combat.

“All businesses operating in Bosaso must support the Puntland Defense Forces engaged in Operation Calmiskaad, especially the soldiers who are injured and brought to our hospitals,” Shanle said.

The mayor emphasized that the fight against terrorism requires a collective commitment and warned that neutrality, or refusal to assist, would be considered a betrayal of the sacrifices being made on the frontlines.

Accusations of Past Collusion with Terrorists

In a sharp escalation, Mayor Shanle singled out certain businesses that he claimed had previously paid extortion money to ISIS militants. He accused these companies of now refusing to contribute to government-led security efforts — a move he described as both hypocritical and unacceptable.

“It’s intolerable that some companies were once paying extortion money to terrorists, and now, when the government is bleeding to protect them, they refuse to contribute,” Shanle declared. “Those who decline to assist the troops defending their city will no longer be allowed to do business in Bosaso.”

The warning marks a significant shift in Puntland’s posture toward the private sector, signaling an intent to link business licensing and operation rights to national security cooperation.

Officials have not yet released a formal list of non-compliant businesses, but sources close to the municipal administration suggest that enforcement measures — including possible revocation of business permits — are already under discussion.

The Puntland government launched Operation Calmiskaad earlier this year to dislodge ISIS fighters from their mountainous hideouts. The campaign has reportedly led to territorial gains, but at the cost of rising casualties among Puntland’s forces — prompting increased calls for public and private support.

Mayor Shanle’s remarks underscore the growing pressure on local businesses to take a public stance and materially support the state’s counterterrorism efforts.

As the battle against extremist elements intensifies, Puntland’s leadership appears unwilling to tolerate fence-sitting — particularly from businesses profiting from the peace secured by the very forces now under fire.

WardheerNews