Garowe, Somalia – May 20, 2025 – In the picturesque yet perilous expanse of the Cal-Miskaad mountains, a chapter came to a close for the region’s ongoing battle against terror. Ahmed Muse Said, a prominent ISIS facilitator, met his end during a meticulously orchestrated operation by Northeastern State’s security forces. This mission marked a pivotal moment in Northeastern State’s unyielding fight against extremism.

With the backdrop of rugged hills and resilient communities, the Northeastern State authorities released a statement on Monday, shedding light on the operation. Ahmed Muse Said was no ordinary operative; he was instrumental in steering the movement of foreign fighters into Somalia under the aegis of ISIS. His elimination, authorities assert, is a substantial blow to the regional network of the group.

“To disrupt the flow of foreign fighters significantly impacts ISIS’s operations,” the statement noted, drawing attention to the broader implications of this success. This victory is not just tactical but strategic, striking at the very logistics that empower such groups.

The efforts of Northeastern State’s security forces are relentless. They have sought not only to dismantle ISIS strongholds in the craggy terrains of Cal-Miskaad but also to send a clear message: resilience is their answer to extremism. It’s a region that, despite ongoing challenges, stands firm against the persistent shadows of insurgency.

Security analysts have long contended that disrupting the upper echelons of terror networks cripples their ability to recruit and mobilize. The ripple effect of Ahmed Muse Said’s demise is expected to reverberate through jihadist connections extending beyond Somalia’s borders. Since the initiation of the Hilaac operation in December 2024, Northeastern State forces have captured pivotal bases, gradually eroding the operational capacity of ISIS in the region.

Interestingly, while the details of the operation remain under wraps—Northeastern State hasn’t revealed whether additional arrests or casualties occurred—the momentum is unmistakable. The government’s determination to eliminate threats from both ISIS and Al-Shabaab remains unwavering. They’re playing a long game, carefully dismantling the structures that allow such groups to survive.

ISIS in Somalia, while smaller in comparison to the entrenched Al-Shabaab insurgency, poses a nuanced challenge. Mostly active in the Bari region, they persist as a thorn in Northeastern State’s ongoing quest for stability. Here, one might ponder: What drives young men to the rugged folds of such extremist fringes?

In my conversations with locals over warm cups of Somali tea, an elder once remarked, “Our mountains are beautiful, but they hide struggles,” capturing the duality of the region’s breathtaking landscapes and their hidden conflicts. This heart-to-heart connection underscores the human side of the geopolitical struggle unfolding here.

As Northeastern State continues its fight, perhaps a broader perspective on how communities can reclaim their narratives and landscapes from extremist clutches should take center stage. In the words of an ancient Somali proverb, “Even the night has ears,” reminding us that in times of silence, the world listens—observing, analyzing, hoping for peace.

AXADLETM