Operation Hillaac: A Renewed Promise for Peace in Puntland

In the heart of Puntland, amidst the swirl of a relentless wind sweeping across the Cal Miskaad mountains, President Said Abdullahi Deni stood resolute. Alongside him, the First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mohamed Baari Shire, reflected a shared determination: to carve a future unmarred by the shadows of conflict.

A Fight Steeped in Resilience

Since the twilight of December 2024, Puntland’s forces have embarked on a formidable journey, contending with ISIS militants deeply entrenched in these rugged terrains. The operation, aptly named “Hillaac,” meaning “lightning,” fittingly describes their swift and targeted strikes against the adversaries. Now in its third phase, what started as a flicker of hope has grown into a beacon of resilience.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step,” reflects an old Chinese proverb. But in Puntland, each step resonates with the courage of its people.

At the Helm of Change

In a strategic meeting held in Bosaso, President Deni, amidst security officials and governmental authorities, concentrated efforts on accelerating the operation’s completion. What drives such resolve? It might be the collective memory of challenges past or the optimism of a brighter horizon.

The meeting resulted in essential directives—decisions not borne out of haste but necessity. “Sometimes we need to be reminded that action is the antidote to despair,” as Joan Baez once remarked. With that ethos, the operation aims to neutralize threats and foster stability.

The Heart of the Measures

• Security forces received explicit orders to take decisive action against illegal arms and unlicensed vehicles, embrace vigilance against nefarious activities, and uphold the rule of law.
• District and regional authorities received reminders to rigorously monitor and prevent the influx of undocumented foreigners, simultaneously clamping down on human smuggling operations—a scourge that preys on the vulnerable.
• The coastal passages, critical yet vulnerable, saw restrictions. Movement of passenger and cargo boats is now under stringent control, requiring special authorization—a necessary sacrifice for enhanced security.
• The suspension of food supply movement into operational zones underscored the fraught landscape, unless approved with clarity on origin and destination.

Unity in the Face of Adversity

Through these turbulent times, the people of Puntland have emerged as unsung heroes. Their unwavering support—whether within the homeland or from afar—remains the bedrock of the operation. The government, in turn, expressed profound gratitude for this solidarity.

A small anecdote: In a remote village, a community leader rallied locals, reminding them of their shared heritage and the promise of peace. “Hope,” he adamantly declared, “is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”

Encouragement continued to ripple across the region, urging locals to stand firm, their collective strength echoing in every corner until the mission sees its fulfillment.

Reflecting on a Shared Commitment

This intricate tapestry of decisions and community spirit raises a compelling question: What ultimately defines the success of such an operation? Is it merely the cessation of conflict, or perhaps the reinvigoration of hope and restoration of faith in the government’s role?

The answers lie, in part, with those who remain steadfast, those whose lives are entwined with the very land they strive to protect. Like a lighthouse guiding wayward ships, Operation Hillaac stands as a testament to resilience and promise—a harbinger of peace amidst chaos.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring