By Horn Africa News Staff
Bosaso — Puntland state defense forces of Somalia, backed by helicopter gunships, launched a well-coordinated offensive this morning targeting key Daesh (ISIS) strongholds in the mountainous Bari region of northeastern Somalia.
According to military and local sources, the operation focused on a network of underground caves near the Rasaaqan well in the Yucrin area of the Al-Miskad mountain range—an area known to harbor the remaining elements of Daesh in Puntland. Intelligence suggests that these caves serve as the last refuge for several high-ranking commanders, as well as foreign women and children linked to the group.
Security officials confirmed that the area is now fully encircled, with Puntland forces tightening their grip in an effort to capture or eliminate the remaining fighters.
The presence of non-combatants—particularly women and children—among the militants is seen as a sign that the extremist group is in disarray and nearing collapse.
“This is one of the final and most intense phases of our operations against Daesh,” said a senior Puntland security official. “We are determined to dismantle every last cell and ensure lasting peace in our region.”
Eyewitnesses from nearby communities reported hearing heavy gunfire and the roar of helicopters overhead, describing the assault as one of the largest anti-terrorism offensives conducted in recent years.
The operation forms part of Puntland’s broader strategy to eliminate terrorist threats and stabilize areas long affected by insurgent activity.
Since 2017, Daesh militants have used the remote terrain of the Al-Miskad mountains as a base for recruitment and attacks, but recent offensives have severely weakened the group’s capabilities.
As the situation develops, authorities have called for caution and cooperation from local residents, and humanitarian agencies are preparing for the potential rescue and rehabilitation of civilians caught in the crossfire.
