Tuesday December 31, 2024
FILE PHOTO
Garowe (HOL) — Puntland Deputy Speaker Mohamed Shire Baari narrowly survived an attack by Islamic State militants in the Dharjaale area of Bari region on Tuesday morning.
The attack began with a suicide explosion, followed by intense combat targeting forces led by Baari, who had been in Dharjaale organizing an anti-ISIS campaign. The attack resulted in casualties and injuries among Puntland forces, though the exact numbers have not yet been confirmed.
Preliminary reports suggest foreign fighters participated in the attack, with one detonating a suicide vest and others engaging in close combat with Puntland forces. The forces ultimately neutralized all militants involved in the assault.
The attack underscores the rising threat of ISIS in Somalia. A November 2024 U.N. report noted that IS-Somalia's strength has grown significantly, with an estimated 600-700 fighters strengthened by an influx of foreign operatives. Puntland state leaders are currently coordinating a large-scale offensive against the group in the Alimiskat mountains, a known militant stronghold.