Northeastern State Troops Capture Strategic Mountain Positions from ISIS in Significant Assault

BOSASO, Somalia – The crackle of gunfire and the echo of strategic commands reverberated through the eastern stretches of the Cal-Miskaad mountains as the Northeastern State Defense Forces, fueled by a steadfast resolve, made a landmark advance. What’s unfolding here, you might ask? It is an audacious campaign against the entrenched forces of ISIS. These formidable terrains, once bastions of militant fortification, are now being reclaimed at a pace the world cannot ignore.

What drives these forces, often operating with minimal external aid, to such decisive feats of valor? It’s a complex mix of necessity, will, and timely support. Notably, troops from the United States and the UAE have lent crucial air support, bolstering morale and strategic capabilities. This blend of indigenous resolve and international backing is scripting a new chapter in the region’s long-standing saga of conflict and resilience.

On a crisp Thursday morning, the military proudly announced the capture of key areas within the Calmiskaad mountains — particularly Dhaqas, Qurac, and Damdamle. These victories are more than mere tactical wins; they symbolize the broader assault on extremism that colors the landscape of Northeastern State today. “Today, Northeastern State’s Counter-Terrorism Forces have taken control of the areas of Dhaqas, Qurac, and Damdamle,” proclaimed a security official, signaling the winds of change as military forces close in on ISIS hideouts deeply nested within the caves of this rugged region.

The official update on the X platform hints at an unfolding narrative, “Updates on the bodies of the foreign ISIS terrorists killed by the forces will be released soon.” Imagine the tension in the air, thick with anticipation — what will be uncovered in the shadowy labyrinths of these mountains where militants once roamed with impunity? An anecdote from a veteran officer highlights the difficulty of the task, “Before these operations, whispers of ISIS could chill the air. Now, they’re fleeing, their hold fragmented.”

As the Northeastern State forces press on, reports indicate a significant relocation of ISIS operatives, a movement forced by the sustained assaults and the piercing precision of airstrikes. Over 100 militants have met their demise in a ferocious blitz, underscoring the might and tactical astuteness of these coordinated efforts. Yet, behind this stern facade of victory, whispers of discord linger — the federal government’s aloof stance casts a shadow over regional morale.

Despite these remarkable achievements, the absence of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud from the stage of this regional theater of war rings loud. The government, it seems, is content to watch from the sidelines, acknowledging progress without truly engaging. Why this hesitance? Perhaps in the intricate web of Somali politics, priorities and alliances are not as straightforward as they appear.

In other parts of Somalia, the conflict against extremism takes another form. The Somali National Army’s recent success in Middle Shabelle — where over 130 Al-Shabaab militants were dispatched in a heated battle — resonates with similar themes of valor, sacrifice, and strategic acumen. Here too, a considerable arsenal of weaponry now lies in the hands of government forces, a testament to their unyielding resolve.

Moments of human triumph amidst the often indifferent void of conflict arenas remind us of a quote by the renowned military strategist Sun Tzu who once said, “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” Perhaps this is the silent prayer of every soldier on these unforgiving grounds — to not just confront violence, but to envision peace. Is it not the hope that one day, the echoes in the mountains might carry the laughter of a generation unscarred by war?

Northeastern State’s narrative is a complex tapestry of ambition, conflict, and hope. As the dust begins to settle, each triumph echoes a deeper yearning for a future unmarred by the shadows of the past. In the words of a young soldier standing amidst the hills of Cal-Miskaad, “We fight not just for land, but for a day when this land will need no fighting.”

Report By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring