By Mohamed Ali

In the northeastern region of Somalia, Puntland has emerged as a critical frontline in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS or Daesh). The rugged and strategically important Al Miskad Hills in the Bari region have become the epicenter of this conflict, as ISIS has exploited the area’s natural defenses and proximity to the Gulf of Aden to establish a stronghold.

Puntland’s military operation to counter ISIS offers key insights into the region’s geopolitical, economic, and security landscape.

The Birth of ISIS in Somalia

ISIS’s presence in Somalia traces back to 2015-2016 when a faction of Al-Shabaab militants, led by the cleric Abdul Qadir Mumin, pledged allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. This defection resulted from ideological differences and strategic disputes within Al-Shabaab. Mumin’s group established its base in Puntland, forming the nucleus of ISIS operations in Somalia.

By leveraging illicit activities like extortion and smuggling, ISIS strengthened its financial base, allowing it to expand its influence beyond Somalia’s borders. The influx of jihadist fighters from the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa brought combat experience and global jihadist connections, transforming the group into a formidable transnational threat. This increased the risk of regional destabilization and cross-border terrorism in neighboring countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Yemen.

A Threat with Global Consequences

ISIS’s activities in Somalia have far-reaching implications. Regionally, the rivalry between ISIS and Al-Shabaab fuels violent clashes, further destabilizing an already fragile Horn of Africa. Globally, ISIS’s ability to recruit and mobilize foreign fighters reinforces its connections to international jihadist networks, raising concerns about the potential for coordinated attacks on Western targets.

Why Puntland Became a Stronghold

Several factors contributed to ISIS’s rise in Puntland:

• Geographical Isolation: The Al Miskad Hills offer a natural refuge, with their rugged terrain, caves, and natural trenches providing protection from conventional military operations.
• Weak Governance: Puntland’s limited resources and state capacity made it difficult to combat insurgents effectively.
• Clan Dynamics: ISIS exploited clan rivalries and local grievances to recruit fighters and gain support.

The Strategic Significance of Al Miskad Hills

The Al Miskad Hills are a tactical asset for ISIS due to their proximity to the Gulf of Aden, which allows the group to access maritime routes for smuggling weapons, recruiting foreign fighters, and disrupting international shipping. In recent years, ISIS has modernized its tactics, employing drones and planting mines to counter government forces, complicating Puntland’s counterterrorism efforts.

Challenges from Declining International Support

The reduction of international funding in 2024 has severely affected Puntland’s ability to combat ISIS. Several factors contributed to this decline:

• Global Economic Recession: Post-COVID-19 economic challenges forced donor countries to cut foreign aid.
• Competing Global Crises: Conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan shifted international attention away from Somalia.
• Donor Fatigue: Decades of slow progress in Somalia have disillusioned many donors.

The situation worsened after Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni’s contested reelection in January 2025. Tensions with the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) escalated as the federal government limited international aid to Puntland, further weakening its security capacity.

Puntland’s Military Response

Despite these challenges, Puntland has shown resilience and ingenuity in its military campaign:

• Local Leadership: Puntland’s security forces have led the fight against ISIS, demonstrating that Somali-led initiatives can be effective without heavy international intervention.
• Strategic Gains: The operation disrupted ISIS’s access to key resources and prevented the group from turning the Al Miskad Hills into a global terrorist hub.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Puntland’s success has highlighted the potential of local forces to replace expensive international missions like AMISOM.

Lessons Learned

The Puntland operation offers several critical lessons:

• Local Ownership Matters: Somali-led counterterrorism efforts can yield significant results with minimal external support.
• Timely Intervention is Key: Puntland’s proactive approach prevented ISIS from consolidating its position, avoiding a prolonged conflict.
• Addressing Root Causes: Long-term stability in Puntland will require efforts to tackle poverty, unemployment, and governance deficits, which fuel extremism.

Broader Implications for Global Security

The success of Puntland’s military operation has implications beyond Somalia:

• Maritime Security: Disrupting ISIS’s activities near the Gulf of Aden helps protect one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors.
• Regional Stability: Preventing ISIS from expanding into other parts of sub-Saharan Africa is crucial for the region’s security.
• A New Counterterrorism Model: Puntland’s experience demonstrates the importance of empowering local actors and reducing reliance on international forces.

Challenges Ahead

Despite recent successes, several hurdles remain:

• Sustaining Momentum: Puntland’s security forces need consistent funding, training, and logistical support.
• Political Reconciliation: Resolving tensions between Puntland and the FGS is essential for a unified national counterterrorism strategy.
• Long-Term Solutions: True stability will depend on addressing the underlying conditions that breed extremism.

Conclusion

The fight against ISIS in Puntland underscores the potential for local leadership to disrupt terrorist networks and safeguard regional security. While the decline in international support poses a serious challenge, Puntland’s determination and innovative tactics offer a glimmer of hope. As the global community grapples with competing crises, Puntland’s experience stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of empowering local actors and addressing the root causes of extremism.

The road ahead may be difficult, but Puntland’s progress offers valuable lessons—and a potential blueprint—for counterterrorism efforts across the region.

Mohamed Ali
Email. Geel114@gmail.com

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References

• United Nations Reports on Somalia (2024)
• African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Updates
• Open-source intelligence reports on ISIS activities in the Gulf of Aden
• News articles and analyses from reputable outlets such as BBC, Al Jazeera, and Reuters.