The Islamic State (IS) launched an overnight assault on military bases in Puntland, Somalia’s northeastern state, with suicide car and motorbike bombs.
However, Puntland’s armed forces swiftly repelled the attack, killing approximately 70 militants in a series of airstrikes, according to a military official.
Puntland had launched a major offensive against IS and al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-linked group, back in December.
Since then, they have claimed significant victories, including the deaths of dozens of foreign fighters and the capture of several IS strongholds.
Mohamud Fadhigo, a spokesperson for Puntland’s military, confirmed the attack. “Our forces were prepared and thwarted the suicide bombers, killing them on foot, bikes, and in vehicles,” Fadhigo said.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has provided vital support to Somalia’s military forces in recent years, particularly in training and airstrikes.
Fadhigo acknowledged the importance of this support, stating, “With UAE air strikes, we successfully neutralized IS infantry, killing about 70 militants.”
While Puntland forces repelled the attackers, casualties on their side were reported, though the exact number remains undisclosed.
IS’s Somalia branch has grown in influence, bolstered by foreign fighters and increasing financial resources.
The group now commands an estimated 700 to 1,500 fighters, though it remains smaller than al-Shabaab, which holds vast swaths of southern and central Somalia.
Somalia’s state news agency reported that attacks on military positions in the Hagaaro and Togo-Jecel areas of the Cal Miskaad mountains were successfully repelled by security forces.
The conflict between these militant factions continues to intensify, with the region’s stability hanging in the balance.