Bosaso, Somalia (WDN) — A fresh wave of internal conflict has erupted within the ISIS faction trapped in the rugged hills of Calmiskaad, located near the Miraale area, as Somali militants attempted to escape the enclave only to face deadly gunfire from foreign fighters stationed as guards.

Sources within the Puntland security apparatus reported that on Saturday, a group of Somali militants tried to flee their hiding place but were met with fatal gunshots from foreign fighters who were guarding the hideout. “The Somali fighters attempted to escape, but they were gunned down by foreign members of ISIS who were stationed to prevent their departure,” one security official stated.

This marks the third such incident in which foreign ISIS militants have executed Somali fighters attempting to defect or leave the group since the start of the Calmiskaad anti-terrorism operation. “The trend is worrying, and it reveals the desperation within ISIS ranks,” the source added.

The Puntland government has declared the operation to eliminate ISIS from Calmiskaad to be complete, with President Said Abdullahi Deni confirming that the next phase of military operations will target Al-Shabaab, another terrorist group threatening the region.

“We have made significant strides in our mission to cleanse Calmiskaad of ISIS, and now our focus shifts to Al-Shabaab,” President Deni announced on Saturday. “We are committed to ensuring that these terrorist groups do not destabilize our region.”

As Puntland’s military prepares for a new offensive, the division within ISIS ranks only highlights the effectiveness of Puntland’s ongoing counter-terrorism efforts. With ISIS fighters now turning on each other, the Puntland government remains poised to continue its fight against terrorism in the region.

WardheerNews