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Top ISIS leader surrenders to Puntland forces near Qandala
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    Tuesday February 4, 2025


    Puntland security forces advance through rugged terrain in the Al Miskaad mountains during an intensified military campaign against ISIS militants. 

    Garowe (HOL) — A senior figure in the Islamic State (ISIS) insurgency has surrendered to Puntland's security forces, marking a major setback for the group as Somali regional authorities intensify efforts to dismantle its operational networks.

    Abdirahman Shirwac, known by the alias "Laahoor," turned himself in to security personnel in the Unuun area near the coastal town of Qandala. Laahoor had been serving as ISIS's chief of planned assassinations and was previously sentenced to death by a Puntland military court in June 2022.

    His surrender comes as Puntland intensifies its military campaign against ISIS militants entrenched in the mountainous Al Miskaad region. The offensive, bolstered by U.S. airstrikes, seeks to dismantle the group's command structure and eliminate key leaders. On February 1, U.S. forces reportedly carried out airstrikes that killed several high-ranking ISIS commanders.

    A spokesperson for Puntland's security forces described Laahoor's surrender as a strategic milestone in their fight against the militant group. "His capture will disrupt ISIS's ability to plan and execute targeted killings in the region," the spokesperson said, noting that Laahoor's role as a key decision-maker in assassinations made him a top target.

    Laahoor had been sentenced to death in June 2022 by a Puntland military court after being found guilty of orchestrating deadly attacks in Bosaso, Puntland's main commercial hub. The court ruled that he led a local ISIS cell responsible for a string of bombings and targeted killings that terrorized the city.

    During his trial, four co-defendants—also sentenced to death—identified Laahoor as the mastermind who issued direct orders for assassinations and explosions. However, Laahoor denied the charges in a post-verdict interview, claiming he was not involved in the killings.

    Officials are hopeful that Laahoor's surrender will yield actionable intelligence that will assist them in further dismantling ISIS's network in the region.

     





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