By Mohamed A Yasin

Introduction

President Said Deni Launches Second Phase of Counterterrorism Campaign

President Said Deni of Puntland delivered a speech on January 29, 2025, at an event in Bosaso, marking the launch of the second phase of the anti-terrorism campaign. He provided an update on the ongoing transnational war between Puntland forces and ISIS militants in the Calmiskaad mountains of the Bari region Puntland’s Fight Against Extremism: Addressing the ISIS Threat in East Mountain – WardheerNews.

U.S. Precision Strike Targets ISIS Leaders in Puntland

As the second phase kicked off, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud was informed by the United States government that President Donald Trump had ordered a precision airstrike targeting ISIS militants in the Calmiskaad Mountains of Puntland. The operation, which took place today, resulted in the elimination of numerous high-ranking ISIS leaders and fighters, dealing a significant blow to the group’s operational capacity in the region.

According to sources, the strike was part of a broader counterterrorism effort aimed at dismantling ISIS’s foothold in Somalia. The operation underscores the ongoing U.S. military engagement in the region and its commitment to combating extremist threats.

Reports indicate that the airstrike targeted key ISIS command centers and logistical hubs, significantly disrupting their activities. The strike also follows Puntland’s intensified military operations against ISIS, further weakening the group’s influence in the region.

For further details, refer to official statements and updates on Twitter and other verified sources.

 – see the Twitter   X  and  Trump says US airstrikes have ‘killed many’ ISIS terrorists in Somalia | World News | Sky News  and BBC  Trump says he ordered air strikes on Islamic State group in Somalia

The Decisive Military Campaign Code Named “Lightening” (Phase One)

Puntland forces launched a major military offensive on December 31, 2024, against ISIS terrorists entrenched in the rugged Calmiskaad mountains near Bosaso, a strategic port city. Code-named “Operation Lightning,” the campaign achieved significant victories within three weeks, capturing over 70% of ISIS bases and seizing or destroying advanced weaponry, including drones (International Crisis Group, 2023).

More than 70% of the ISIS fighters in the region are foreign nationals, including Yemenis, Saudi Arabians, Syrians, Ethiopians, and others (UN Monitoring Group, 2022). This underscores the transnational nature of ISIS in Somalia and its broader regional security implications.

ISIS-Somalia, also known as Abnaa ul-Calipha, emerged in October 2015 when Sheikh Abdul Qadir Mumin, a former Al-Shabaab commander, defected and pledged allegiance to ISIS (Hiraal Institute, 2021). Unlike Al-Shabaab, which is affiliated with Al-Qaeda, ISIS-Somalia has focused on Puntland, establishing a foothold in strategic mountain regions near Bosaso.

Intelligence reports suggest that ISIS-Somalia maintains connections with the Houthis in Yemen, raising concerns about its regional alliances (UN Security Council Report, 2023). This foreign fighter presence indicates that Somalia is being used as a recruitment and operational hub for global jihadist networks.

Puntland’s Lone Fight Against International Terrorism

Despite limited resources, Puntland security forces have dismantled key ISIS strongholds without external military assistance (Garowe Online, 2024). Former Puntland intelligence chief Abdirahman Yusuf Farah emphasized that the offensive aims to neutralize terrorist cells while upholding human rights. However, the federal government in Mogadishu has yet to acknowledge the campaign, instead focusing on internal political struggles, including public land sales and costly overseas trips (The East African, 2024).

Opposition leaders, including former Somali presidents and prime ministers, have publicly praised Puntland’s decisive actions against ISIS, contrasting with the federal government’s silence (VOA News, 2024). Puntland’s military efforts demonstrate that regional administrations play a crucial role in counterterrorism, even in the absence of centralized federal support.

Disrupting the Financial Backbone of ISIS-Somalia

A December report by the International Crisis Group (ICG, 2023) revealed that ISIS-Somalia is not only an armed insurgency but also a financial hub for the broader ISIS network in Africa. The group funds itself through extortion, illicit financial transfers, and money laundering networks spanning the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

Puntland has implemented measures to disrupt these financial streams, including imposing restrictions on banking and telecommunications services used by ISIS operatives (Puntland Security Brief, 2024). Collaboration with local businesses has helped tighten financial oversight, preventing illicit money transfers. These steps are critical in weakening ISIS’s operational capacity and preventing further recruitment.

Tackling the Issue of Undocumented Migration

Puntland’s counterterrorism efforts have also led to stricter immigration policies. A recent security incident in Bosaso, where a Yemeni national was caught planting a mine before engaging in a shootout with police, underscored the urgency of controlling undocumented migration (Garowe Online, 2024).

New Puntland regulations now bar undocumented foreigners from:

• Renting housing
• Securing employment
• Accessing telecommunications services

Telecommunications companies have been instructed to deactivate accounts linked to illicit activities (Puntland Security Directive, 2024). Landlords, employers, and business owners who facilitate the stay of undocumented migrants now face legal consequences. These measures aim to prevent foreign militants from embedding themselves within local communities.

Global Comparisons: Immigration and Security Measures

Puntland’s immigration crackdown aligns with policies adopted by other nations facing security threats linked to undocumented migration:

• Saudi Arabia: The “A Nation Without Violators” campaign has led to mass deportations of undocumented workers to enhance national security (Arab News, 2023).
• South Africa: Authorities have implemented stringent immigration policies targeting undocumented migrants from neighboring countries due to security concerns (BBC Africa, 2023).
• Malaysia: Regular raids target illegal foreign workers, with heavy fines imposed on employers who hire undocumented individuals (The Star Malaysia, 2023).
• United States: Enhanced border security measures and restrictions on access to public services for undocumented migrants aim to mitigate security risks (Homeland Security Report, 2023).

While these measures strengthen security, they also raise humanitarian concerns. Puntland must ensure that its crackdown on undocumented migration is balanced with human rights considerations, particularly for refugees and asylum seekers fleeing conflict zones (Amnesty International, 2024).

Looking Forward: Strategic and Geopolitical Implications

Puntland’s military success against ISIS represents a critical step toward regional stability. However, for sustained security, several factors must be addressed:

• International Support: The global community must recognize Puntland’s role in counterterrorism and provide logistical, financial, and intelligence-sharing assistance (ICG Analysis, 2024).
• Sustained Military Operations: While “Operation Lightning” has achieved significant gains, Puntland’s forces must remain vigilant to prevent ISIS from regrouping (Puntland Defense Report, 2024).
• Strengthening Governance: Puntland’s ability to enforce security policies depends on institutional development and anti-corruption measures (Transparency International, 2024).
• Federal Government Engagement: The lack of federal support remains a major challenge. Constructive engagement between Puntland and Mogadishu is necessary to ensure a united front against terrorism. However, the FGS leadership remains an obstacle to achieving this goal (The East African, 2024).

Puntland’s military offensive against ISIS demonstrates that determined regional security forces can effectively combat international terrorism, even without federal assistance. The strategic dismantling of ISIS strongholds and financial networks has not only weakened the group but also set a precedent for counterterrorism efforts across the Horn of Africa.

As Puntland tightens migration policies and continues security operations, it must balance enforcement with humanitarian considerations (Amnesty International, 2024). The international community cannot afford to ignore Puntland’s success; failure to support these efforts risks allowing ISIS to regain ground and expand its influence in Somalia and beyond (VOA Analysis, 2024).

In the broader fight against terrorism, Puntland’s proactive approach serves as both a model and a call to action for other nations grappling with similar threats. The outcome of this campaign will shape not only Puntland’s security but also the stability of the wider Horn of Africa region.

Mohamed A Yasin
Email: moyasin680@gmail.com