Bosaso (WDN)- In what is being hailed as a decisive victory for regional security, Puntland’s Defense Forces have forced the once-resilient ISIS militants into full retreat, with scattered fighters now surrendering in disorganized fashion following the liberation of their last strategic hideout in Miraale Valley.

The turning point came when Puntland forces stormed and captured Ceelka Miraale, a heavily fortified valley that had served as the group’s final refuge. Equipped with natural defenses and access to water wells, Miraale had allowed ISIS militants to hold out for months. However, Puntland’s sustained offensive left them with no option but to flee or surrender.

According to Brigadier General Mahamud Mohamed Ahmed (Faadhigo), spokesperson for Operation Calmiskaad, four Somali nationals affiliated with ISIS laid down their arms in the village of Timirshe, within the Isku-shuban district of the Bari region. The surrender occurred under the watch of Puntland’s Minister of Security, Haji Bakiin, who is overseeing the stabilization of newly liberated areas.

“Four ISIS members surrendered yesterday in Timirshe. They’ll be transferred to Bosaso for further processing,” Gen. Faadhigo confirmed, emphasizing that the group’s collapse is accelerating.

 “Once they realized that ISIS was finished — fragmented and on the run — the militants began giving themselves up. There is simply nowhere left for them to hide,” Gen. Faadhigo declared triumphantly.

The latest developments mark a critical milestone in Puntland’s counterterrorism campaign, which has steadily degraded the operational capacity of ISIS in the region. With their leadership fragmented and defensive positions dismantled, what remains of the militant group appears to be in freefall.

Security officials suggest more surrenders are imminent as Puntland solidifies control over former ISIS strongholds.

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