Kismayo (AX) – In a move resonating with hope and determination, the Jubbaland regional state administration has lauded the ongoing military efforts targeting ISIS militants in the rugged terrain of Northeastern State’s Bari region. This campaign isn’t just another chapter in Somalia’s lengthy struggle against terrorism—it’s a pivotal moment that could redefine the nation’s future.
From the heart of the Jubbaland Presidential Palace, President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, widely known as Ahmed Madobe, passionately articulated the significance of this operation. His message was clear and resonant: to turn the page towards peace and prosperity, Somalia must stand united against the specter of terrorism. It’s not a task for the faint-hearted; it’s a concerted effort, a collective journey towards recovery and rebuilding what has been marred by years of unrest.
The President’s appreciation for Northeastern State’s persistent push against ISIS was not just lip service. There was a tangible warmth in his congratulatory remarks to the Northeastern State administration and their valiant security forces. Their triumphs, he observed, in dismantling the infrastructure of terror — pulling out the weeds of extremism — are monumental steps not only for Northeastern State but for the fabric of the Somali nation as a whole. “This mission is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of our people,” proclaimed Ahmed Madobe. His words rang true as they mirrored the collective sentiment of a nation long yearning for stability.
But it didn’t stop there. Ahmed Madobe’s call to action was both a rallying cry and a reminder of the communal effort needed to sustain such victories. He implored Somalis everywhere and the ever-important international community to lend their weight, their support, to Northeastern State. It’s as though he was saying: ‘Together, we can ensure this operation not just succeeds but changes the game against ISIS for good.’
On the ground, Northeastern State security forces are writing their own story of valor and resolve. In the craggy Al-Miskat mountains of the Bari region, they reported significant advancements in their uphill battle. On a Monday that will likely be revisited in the annals of Somali history, they declared the destruction of eight terrorist redoubts and confirmed the elimination of several Daesh combatants. This news reverberated across the region, igniting a flame of cautious optimism.
While Daesh may have only a relatively small footprint in Somalia compared to the notorious Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabab, their presence is a dark cloud overshadowing hopes for peace. Experts have raised alarms about the group’s escalating activities, painting them as a growing thorn that needs excision sooner rather than later.
Yet, as the dust settles on recent victories, it’s poignant to ask: Will this be enough to tilt the scales in Somalia’s favor against these forces of terror? Only time will tell. But one thing is abundantly clear — together, the Somali people, with the backing of the international community, stand a much better chance of reclaiming their narrative from the grip of militants.
These efforts, like bricks in a larger edifice of national recovery, are slowly transforming the landscape of Somalia. They create ripples of hope, a sense of collective purpose as if the nation, after so many years adrift, is finally steering its ship back towards safe harbors.
The journey is fraught with challenges. It demands resilience, courage, and above all, unity. The powers that bind Somali society—community, tradition, and an indomitable spirit—could indeed turn the tables, not just on ISIS but on extremism in all its forms. This operation could be the herald of a new dawn in Somalia’s fight for a peaceful tomorrow.
And as the echoes of this campaign resound across the sands of Northeastern State, they carry with them the silent prayers and fervent hopes of a nation yearning for peace.
Report by Axadle
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
