MOGADISHU, Somalia – Puntland security forces, backed by international allies, carried out an air and ground operation against the Islamic State (IS) militant group in Iskushuban, a town in the Bari region.
The operation dealt a blow to the IS group late Wednesday night, as airstrikes destroyed several key bases hidden in valleys and mountains, local officials confirmed.
It remains unclear how many militants were killed in the aerial raid, which is reported to be part of an ongoing ground offensive to clear militant groups from the region.
Puntland authorities have yet to comment on the casualties or damage details from the latest operation.
The operation comes weeks after Puntland’s military foiled a suicide and gun attack by IS militants against their base in Dharjaalle, where 8 militants, all foreign nationals, were killed.
This military action adds to Somalia’s complex security situation, where multiple factions and foreign fighters are destabilizing the region.
