Somalia: Puntland State troops surround last ISIS stronghold
Puntland State’s counter-terrorism push, known as Operation Hilaac, is moving into its final phase as forces close in on what they believe is the last major ISIS hideout in northeastern Somalia. Sources say militants have been pushed from several strategic areas and are now boxed into the Baallade Valley in the Cal-Miskaad mountains.
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- Troops have encircled an area assessed as ISIS’s final main stronghold in Baallade Valley.
- Operation Hilaac has steadily reduced the group’s footprint across Puntland State.
- Local reporting indicates significant battlefield gains by Puntland State forces.
Strategic terrain and battlefield risks
Commanders have relied on precision airstrikes but caution that the terrain complicates any ground assault. Deep, naturally fortified cave networks beneath the mountains could turn a rushed operation into a costly engagement.
- Airstrikes have targeted cave complexes; ground entry remains high-risk due to depth and fortification.
- Security sources warn ISIS may switch to sporadic guerrilla attacks even if Baallade is captured.
- The Cal-Miskaad range has served as a long-standing militant sanctuary.
Air support and international partners
Puntland State Counter-Terrorism Forces report fresh airstrikes in the Baallade area conducted with U.S. support. U.S. Africa Command and the United Arab Emirates have provided aerial backing to the campaign, which has also netted several foreign fighters, according to local authorities.
- “This afternoon, an airstrike hit ISIS terrorists hiding in the Maragade well area of Balade Valley,” Puntland State’s counter-terrorism unit said, citing U.S. Africa Command support for ongoing operations in Cal-Miskaat.
- U.S. and UAE backing has focused on air support to degrade entrenched positions.
- Authorities say multiple foreign fighters have been detained or killed during the offensive.
What’s next
Security officials frame a successful push into Baallade as a potential turning point against ISIS in Puntland State. Even so, they caution the threat is unlikely to vanish immediately, with militants capable of hit-and-run attacks.
- Focus remains on isolating remaining fighters while minimizing risks to ground forces.
- Intelligence-led strikes are expected to continue as commanders assess cave networks.
- Authorities anticipate an insurgency phase even if the stronghold falls.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
