Northeastern State Forces Target ISIS in Al-Miskad Mountains

Bosaso, Somalia, June 30, 2025 – In the pre-dawn hours of Monday, the silence of the Al-Miskad mountains was broken. The Northeastern State Defense Forces, determined and well-prepared, embarked on a strategic operation aimed at ousting ISIS-affiliated militants from their remote hideouts.

The mountainous landscape of Al-Miskad has long been a refuge for those seeking to evade the law. “The forces are conducting a clearance operation today against fleeing terrorists,” announced a statement from Operation Hillaac, the ongoing military campaign. This operation is more than a tactical maneuver—it’s a message. Can peace truly be sustained without addressing these insurgent footholds?

Axadle has gathered intelligence suggesting that ISIS elements, once active in Baalade, Miiraale, and Jacayl valley areas, have relocated to the secluded regions of Walisoor and Marmarka. These locations, known for their treacherous terrain, now find themselves under intense military scrutiny.

The local security officials emphasize that this effort is just one phase of a larger strategy. It’s part of a dedicated campaign to dismantle remaining militant cells in these mountains—a geographical barrier that has historically served as a safe haven for armed factions. The resilient terrain is both a challenge and an opportunity, testing the resolve and ingenuity of the forces.

“In every war, there’s a moment where silence speaks louder than the guns,” said a local soldier, reflecting on the faint dawn, when nature and conflict coexist in a surreal dance.

The Northeastern State authorities have remained tight-lipped regarding the specifics of casualties or arrests following the offensive. Such operations often unfold in layers, revealing their truths with time. Here lies a fundamental truth of conflict: victory isn’t merely measured in territorial gain but in the potential for lasting peace.

A question lingers—what drives individuals to these hidden enclaves? Could it be ideology, the promise of power, or a place where they feel they belong? It’s a complex web, one that intertwines the personal with the political.

There’s an anecdotal story of a young soldier, just 20, who joined the ranks inspired by tales of heroism. “I want to make a difference,” he shared, standing amidst the rugged terrain. It’s dreams like his, blending courage with vulnerability, that shape the evolving narrative of this conflict.

As daylight transforms the landscape, the region watches closely, the world holding its breath. Each move in these mountains might tip the balance toward lasting peace or fuel further unrest. As readers, distant yet connected, we ponder: How can such cycles of conflict find resolution?

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.