MOGADISHU, Somalia – Puntland state military has ramped up operations against ISIL militants in the Al-maskad mountains in the Bari region.
At least 15 militants, including foreign fighters, have reportedly been intercepted before blending into local communities.
Minister of Information, Mohamud Aidid, said they increased the counterterrorism efforts to eradicate the militants in the region.
Minister Aidid said the operation entered a critical phase. “We’ve already blocked the militants from fleeing to avoid re-grouping,” he said.
He said the military forces had weakened the ISIL group and are now confined to a 15km area in the Al-Maskad.
“They now have nowhere to escape,” he said. Once our forces clear this terrain, they will advance into open land,” he added.
He said clearing the terrain would allow effective use of armored vehicles and heavy weaponry, leading to the operation’s final phase.
Since December, Puntland has been fighting militants in the rugged highlands, where they had major bases and caves to hide.
Last week, the region’s President Said Deni urged residents to report any suspicious individuals as security forces tighten surveillance.
Security analysts warn that while military gains have weakened the group, remnants could attempt to re-establish networks in urban areas.
The ISIL militants remain much smaller in number compared to 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 the International Crisis Group.
