Bosaso, (WDN) – Puntland Security Forces have apprehended a group of individuals suspected to be members of the extremist group Daesh (ISIS), during a security operation in the port city of Bosaso. According to security officials, the suspects are believed to have recently fled from the Baallade valley, a known militant hideout.

The arrests took place amid heightened security operations aimed at preventing infiltration by militants into urban centers. Officials say the suspects had disguised themselves as nomadic herders in an apparent attempt to blend in with the civilian population and enter Bosaso undetected.

However, intelligence-led efforts enabled security forces to intercept them before they could embed themselves within the community. The suspects were immediately taken into custody and transferred to Bosaso Central Prison, where they are being interrogated by the Puntland Criminal Investigations Department (CID), specifically its counterterrorism unit.

Security sources indicate that the ongoing investigation is focused on determining the suspects’ identities, affiliations, and any planned operations within Puntland territory. Once investigations are complete, the individuals are expected to be handed over to the judicial authorities for prosecution.

In recent weeks, Bosaso has seen an increase in security deployments, with authorities doubling down on counterterrorism operations. These efforts come in response to concerns that Daesh militants, under pressure from military offensives in remote areas, may attempt to regroup or seek refuge in civilian-populated towns.

Puntland officials have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding public safety and maintaining stability in the region. They have called on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.

WardheerNews