Puntland regional forces are advancing through the rugged Cal-Miskaad mountain range in a renewed offensive aimed at dismantling entrenched ISIS cells, intensifying Somalia\u2019s broader campaign to eliminate jihadist strongholds in the northeast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Cal-Miskaad mountains have long served as a sanctuary for Islamic State\u2013affiliated fighters operating in Somalia, providing natural cover and terrain advantages that have frustrated past counterinsurgency operations. Puntland, an autonomous region with a relatively stable administration, has spearheaded efforts to contain and eradicate the group\u2019s influence in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This latest push follows a string of skirmishes and aerial surveillance missions launched in recent weeks. Military commanders on the ground say the campaign is designed not only to eliminate ISIS operatives but also to secure critical highland routes often used to traffic weapons and supplies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The offensive also comes at a politically delicate moment, as Puntland continues to assert greater autonomy from Somalia\u2019s federal government, presenting itself as both a security guarantor and a political counterweight to Mogadishu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Cal-Miskaad campaign is a test of Puntland\u2019s capacity to manage long-term security in a strategically critical \u2014 and logistically punishing \u2014 environment. While ISIS\u2019s operational footprint in Somalia is far smaller than Al-Shabaab\u2019s, its presence in the north threatens vital trade corridors and regional stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The operation\u2019s outcome could reshape internal power dynamics within Somalia, offering Puntland leverage in federal negotiations and potentially attracting greater international support. But analysts warn that without follow-through in governance, de-radicalization, and infrastructure, territorial gains may prove temporary.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Puntland regional forces are advancing through the rugged Cal-Miskaad mountain range in a renewed offensive aimed at dismantling entrenched ISIS cells, intensifying Somalia\u2019s broader campaign to eliminate jihadist strongholds in the northeast. The Cal-Miskaad mountains have long served as a sanctuary for Islamic State\u2013affiliated fighters operating in Somalia, providing natural cover and terrain advantages that<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-6485","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-uncategorized"},"yoast_head":"\n
\u201cProgress is steady and deliberate,\u201d a Puntland Defense Ministry spokesperson said in a radio broadcast on Monday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are moving from ridge to ridge, clearing tunnels and bunkers used by terrorist elements. This operation will not stop until the region is fully secure.\u201d<\/p>Puntland Defense Ministry spokesperson\u00a0<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Local officials in Bari region report that a number of suspected militants have already been captured, and that tribal elders are being engaged to help facilitate surrender or intelligence sharing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n