Somalia’s semi-autonomous state of Puntland has reportedly seized a boat carrying military supplies near the coast of the Qaw area in the Bari region.
Puntland Counter-Terrorism Operations Command confirmed that its forces had also arrested several Somali men on board during the sea operation.
The command said the boat was carrying military supplies, including uniforms and other military equipment.
Further investigations are reportedly underway to determine who or where the boat was headed, as well as the parties involved.
The seizure comes as Puntland forces rumped up its operation dubbed as ‘Hilaac’ against ISIL (ISIS) group in the Al-Maskad mountains.
Late on Saturday, US President Donald Trump said he ordered “precision military air strikes on a senior ISIL attack planner and other terrorists” in in the Al-Maskad
The strikes reportedly led to the neutralisation of key figures within the group, marking a major victory into the first phase of the ongoing operation.
ISIL has a small presence in Somalia but security experts have warned of growing activity.
However, the number of group’s fighters is estimated to be in the hundreds, mostly scattered in the Al Miskaad, according to the International Crisis Group.
