Over 20 Killed in Clashes Between Puntland Forces and Islamic State Militants

Fighting between Puntland security forces and Islamic State (IS) militants in Somalia has resulted in the deaths of over 20 people, with more than 10 others wounded. The clashes, which occurred over Sunday and Monday, saw 15 IS fighters and seven Puntland soldiers killed.
Brigadier General Mohamud Mohamed Ahmed, spokesperson for Puntland’s security operations, reported on January 21 that the IS militants used improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to protect their positions in the Ufeyn area. During a landmine clearance operation, one of these devices exploded, killing six soldiers and injuring three others.
The military operation, focused on the Cal Miskat mountains in the Bari region, continued on Monday, with Puntland forces encountering IS militants in the Laba-Afle area. Seven IS fighters were killed, while one Puntland soldier died, and four others were injured. Local residents claimed to have seen the bodies of militants along the roads leading to the mountains. Puntland’s military offensive against extremist groups in the region began last month, with the aim of removing IS militants from their hideouts in the mountains.
Although Puntland has been attacked by both al-Shabab and IS militants in recent years, the current operation is primarily targeting IS, which has seen a rise in activity. While the group’s presence in Somalia is smaller than that of al-Shabab, experts have warned of its growing influence. The IS faction, formed in 2015 by former al-Shabab fighters, now estimates its membership at 500 to 600 militants, an increase from earlier estimates. Most of the new recruits are believed to be from the Middle East and North Africa.