Tuesday January 7, 2025
Garowe (HOL) — Puntland authorities have ruled out granting amnesty to foreign Islamic State (ISIS) militants hiding in the Al Miskat mountains while offering a final opportunity for Somali ISIS members to surrender, officials said Sunday.
The announcement came days after 12 foreign militants attacked a Puntland military base in Dharjaalle, killing multiple people, including Puntland forces.
"Foreign terrorists from different countries will not be granted amnesty," said General Abdirahman of the Puntland Marine Police Force (PMPF).
In retaliation, Puntland security forces launched an offensive targeting ISIS hideout in the Al Miskat mountains. Several bases used by the militant group were destroyed during the operation, regional officials confirmed.
ISIS claimed responsibility for the Dharjaalle attack, describing it as a coordinated assault involving 12 fighters and two explosive-laden vehicles. The group reported killing 22 Puntland troops and injuring dozens, though independent verification of these claims remains unavailable.
The Islamic State has operated in Somalia's northeastern Puntland region since 2017, establishing a foothold in remote mountain ranges. While initially seen as a lesser threat compared to al-Shabaab, ISIS's increasing activity has raised concerns about its growing influence in the region.