MOGADISHU, Somalia – Two airstrikes have reportedly taken out several ISIL bases in the Al-Maskad mountains of the Bari region.
The drone strikes, likely carried out by U.S. forces, killed at least 30 militants in the mountainous area of Shebab.
According to Puntland’s Counterterrorism Command, the strike also destroyed an explosives-making factory run by the group.
“This is a major blow to ISIL and a significant success for our operations,” said the command. “We’ll keep pushing forward until they’re eliminated.”
On the other hand, a Moroccan national, suspected of being a member of ISIL, was reportedly captured by local civilians in Bosaso town.
He was taken into custody to undergo interrogations. This comes days after dozens were arrested before blending into the communities.
Since December, Puntland has been fighting militants in the rugged highlands, where they had major bases and caves to hide.
ISIL remains much smaller in number compared to the al Qaeda-linked group, Al-Shabaab, which controls large parts of Somalia.
The group’s fighters are estimated to be 1,500, mostly scattered in the Al-Maskad region, according to security experts.
