Bosaso (WDN) The Puntland government has confirmed an airstrike targeting ISIS militants in the Miraale area of the Al-Miskaad mountains on Monday night. The operation, carried out by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), reportedly killed 25 fighters who were regrouping in the region.

In an official statement, Puntland’s Counter-Terrorism Operation Command emphasized the significance of the strike in the ongoing fight against ISIS. “The airstrike in Miraale – Al-Miskaad eliminated 25 ISIS militants who were attempting to consolidate their presence. The operation was executed by Puntland’s strategic partner, the UAE,” the statement read.

The airstrike is part of a broader counterterrorism campaign supported by Puntland’s international allies, including the UAE and the United States. The region’s mountainous terrain has long served as a stronghold for ISIS, which has been expanding its presence in northeastern Somalia under the leadership of Abdulqadir Mumin.

While ISIS remains smaller than Al-Shabaab, it continues to carry out assassinations, extortion, and attacks against government and security officials. Puntland forces, with international support, have intensified efforts to dismantle the group and prevent its further entrenchment.

The UAE and the U.S. have been key partners in Puntland’s counterterrorism strategy, providing intelligence and precision airstrikes against militant factions. This latest operation highlights the growing security cooperation aimed at neutralizing extremist threats in Somalia.

Puntland officials have reiterated their commitment to sustained military pressure against ISIS, emphasizing that continued air and ground offensives will be crucial in weakening the group’s operational capabilities.

WardheerNews