Garowe (WDN)- In a decisive victory on June 6, Puntland’s defense forces have overrun one of the most fortified strongholds of ISIS militants in the rugged terrain of Baallade Valley, delivering a crushing blow to the terror group and underscoring Puntland’s growing reputation for military effectiveness and strategic precision.
Following a grueling multi-hour battle in the Sadow area of the valley, Puntland troops dismantled heavily fortified ISIS positions, and also killed nearly 40 fighters affiliated with the extremist group. The scale and success of the operation, officials say, mark one of the most significant victories against ISIS in Somalia in recent years.
“This was no ordinary skirmish. Our forces struck deep into enemy lines and shattered their most entrenched defensive positions,” said a senior Puntland military commander. “We are proud to say this is a turning point in the fight against terrorism in our region.”
A Tale of Two Campaigns
The triumph stands in sharp contrast to the Federal Government of Somalia’s (FGS) widely criticized and largely stalled military campaign against Al-Shabaab in the southern and central regions of the country. Despite months of fanfare, pledges of international support, and announcements of major offensives, the FGS-led campaign has yielded limited territorial gains and suffered repeated setbacks.
While President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud’s government has made headlines with promises to “wipe out Al-Shabaab once and for all,” many of the gains have proven short-lived. Towns supposedly liberated have fallen back into militant hands, and federal forces have been plagued by logistical challenges, corruption, and poor coordination.
In contrast, Puntland’s military strategy has been marked by local ownership, minimal political interference, and a clear chain of command. The operation in Baallade Valley was months in the making, involving intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and coordinated ground assaults — all conducted without the costly fanfare or reliance on foreign troops that has characterized the federal campaign.
“This is the difference between political posturing and genuine counterterrorism,” said Abdirahman Farah, a retired Somali colonel turned security analyst. “Puntland isn’t chasing headlines. They’re chasing results — and they’re getting them.”
A Model for Security Success
Observers point out that Puntland’s success should serve as a model for the rest of Somalia. For years, the region has managed to maintain relative stability compared to other Federal Member States (FMS), thanks in large part to professionalized local forces and a more unified political structure. Its approach to counterinsurgency prioritizes community engagement, accurate intelligence, and swift, decisive action.
Meanwhile, the FGS’s campaign against Al-Shabaab has not only stalled but also exposed the deep flaws within Somalia’s centralized military command. Reports of uncoordinated operations, insufficient supplies, and the politicization of military appointments have hampered momentum on the battlefield.
Moreover, the contrast has further highlighted the growing distrust between Villa Somalia and the Federal Member States. While the federal government continues to call for unity, it has simultaneously alienated its regional partners through unconstitutional power grabs, failed promises, and a lack of transparency — particularly regarding military funding and foreign aid.
Public Reaction: Celebration in Puntland, Frustration Elsewhere
In the streets of Bossaso, residents took to social media to celebrate the victory, praising Puntland’s forces for their bravery and professionalism. “These are our sons — protecting our homes without begging Mogadishu for help,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter). “They fight, they win, and they defend the people.”
Meanwhile, in Mogadishu, the silence from Villa Somalia was noticeable. Despite the significance of the anti-terror victory, the federal government has yet to issue a statement congratulating Puntland, a move seen by critics as a reflection of President Hassan Sheikh’s discomfort with being overshadowed by regional leaders.
“This is what happens when you politicize national security,” said a political analyst talking to WardheerNews reporter. “Instead of supporting each other in the fight against terrorism, the federal leadership sees regional success as a threat to its own authority.”
Looking Ahead
With Baallade Valley now under Puntland control, military officials have vowed to press on and clear the remaining pockets of ISIS militants in the mountainous areas near the Bari region. Commanders on the ground say this is only the beginning of a broader campaign to eliminate extremist groups from Puntland soil once and for all.
For many Somalis disillusioned by the federal government’s grandstanding and failed military ventures, Puntland’s success offers a rare glimmer of hope — and a reminder of what can be achieved through discipline, integrity, and a genuine commitment to security for the wider country.
As one elder in Garowe put it, “While Mogadishu talks, Puntland acts.”
WardheerNews