Northeastern State’s Vigilant Stand: A New Chapter in the Fight Against ISIS
On January 30, 2025, amidst whispers of courage and resilience, the Northeastern State Security Forces paraded a newly trained unit through the streets of Bosasso, located in Somalia’s Northeastern State region. Gleaming equipment accompanied them, a show of strength and preparedness dedicated to combating the looming threat of ISIS in the Bari Region. Reuters captured this profound moment—one that might signal a pivotal shift.
These proficient forces, representing Somalia’s semi-autonomous Northeastern State region, have recently seized expansive territories from the grip of the Islamic State. Over weeks of strategic offensives, hopes have soared for enhanced international support. Spokespersons and on-the-ground observers, including seasoned Reuters reporters, have vouched for these advances, marking a critical episode in the ongoing struggle.
Who could have foreseen this? The Islamic State faction in question—an entity that unexpectedly escalated in prominence—was recently targeted by air strikes. This offensive marked the dawn of U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration’s tactical approach in the region. Before these strikes unfurled their fury, journalists gained rare access to Balidhidin, a village held by IS for nearly a decade. There, they witnessed Northeastern State security maneuvering through the quiet streets, framed by the skeletal remains of army trucks—a testament to the battles that forged those very streets.
Balidhidin nestles within the northern reaches of the Golis Mountains. Treacherous as they may be, these mountains are the heart of ISIS operations in Somalia. They are landscapes of strategy and endurance, bearing witness to recent U.S. bombardments. The villagers recount stories of security forces reclaiming other strongholds too, painting a picture of cautious optimism among corridors once dictated by militant rules.
A palpable tension lingered in Balidhidin as residents, often driven by fear, sought refuge in neighboring settlements and the port city of Bosaso. “There was a lot of fear. We were threatened,” confessed Saido Abdirahman, a mother who had just returned. Her candid words cut through the air—a reminder of the continuous struggle that mothers indoors were not shielded from.
To the external observer, the sheer force of ISIS in Somalia—comprising between 700 and 1,500 entrenched fighters—may seem minimal compared to al Shabaab, their al-Qaeda-linked brethren entrenched in southern and central territories. Yet, their significance cannot be underplayed. Analysts observe their growing influence within the wider ISIS network, augmented by foreign combatants from the Middle East and other African regions, and extorted revenues from local enterprises.
“It is an international war on terror,” rails Mohammed Aided, the outspoken Northeastern State Information Minister. He implores the global community for bolstered support—experts, cutting-edge hardware, anti-mines, and anti-drone technology—essentials in this formidable war against terror. “We request the international community to supply with us experts, hardware, anti-mines, and anti-drone facilities that can jam drones of terrorists. It is a difficult war,” he declared with a sense of urgency.
Could this become a new template for local autonomy combating international threats? Somalia analyst and Sahan Research co-founder, Matt Bryden, hints at the potential recalibration of the Trump administration’s security maneuvers. Given the perceived inadequacy of the federal government in Mogadishu, there might be a shift towards regional alliances. But will this be enough to dismantle these extremist networks?
In the backdrop of these unfolding events, the federal government remains resolute in its continued partnerships with international allies. Information Minister Daud Aweis emphasized the government’s strategic ethos: ” Strengthening Somalia’s federal institutions and ensuring a cohesive national strategy remain critical for sustainable security and stability,” he said. In this dynamic arena, the call for cohesive security frameworks echoes loud and clear.
The U.S. State Department’s silence on the unfolding situation is enigmatic—a hesitant pause, perhaps, or a calculated non-disclosure. But does it signify contemplation or commendation of alternative routes?
As these narratives unfurl, it remains to be seen which path the international powers will tread. Northeastern State’s actions against ISIS are not just a salvo in a localized conflict; they resonate as crucial gestures in a broader geopolitical symphony.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
