Northeastern State’s Struggles and Resolve Against ISIS

Mogadishu (AX) — The economic landscape of Northeastern State is undergoing severe turbulence, a crisis that President Said Abdullahi Deni attributes to the looming shadow of ISIS militants in the Al-Miskaad mountain range. During a recent banking development forum in Garowe, he voiced a conviction that echoes the frustrations of many citizens. “The main reason for Northeastern State’s economic downturn is the presence of ISIS in Al-Miskaad,” he stated emphatically.

Deni’s assertions weren’t merely rhetoric; they came laden with evidence. Upon reaching the Al-Miskaad region, his government unearthed signals of extensive financial transactions—millions of dollars allegedly siphoned from local residents. This money, he contends, is funneled abroad to finance transnational terror networks, affecting not just Northeastern State but creating ripples across borders. “That money was sent directly from inside Northeastern State to ISIS members in Mozambique and Nigeria,” he elaborated, painting a vivid picture of an intricate financial web that transcends mere local concerns.

In an age where transparency is a crucial currency, Deni promised that his administration would soon unveil a comprehensive study revealing the depth of ISIS’s financial stranglehold. “We will make these findings public,” he said. What does it mean for a region to grapple with such a pervasive threat? The implications are staggering. For the people of Northeastern State, are they witnessing not only a struggle for safety but also a fight for their livelihoods?

At the heart of this crisis lies a troubling method of money collection. Deni explained that ISIS has been exploiting mobile payment platforms—popular in Somalia—to extract funds from unsuspecting residents. “The money collected from the people of Northeastern State was being sent to other countries to fund operations by the Daesh group in nations across Africa and Asia,” he remarked, shedding light on a dark reality that involves ordinary citizens caught in the crossfire of international terrorism.

The fight against ISIS in the Al-Miskaad region has been long and arduous. For several years, Northeastern State has mobilized military forces to eradicate the threat. In February 2025, elite troops launched a decisive operation—one that included airstrikes targeting strongholds—resulting in the reported elimination of over 30 militants. As of now, Northeastern State forces claim to control 98% of the Al-Miskaad mountain range, but the battle is far from over. Despite having launched the fourth phase of their offensive, combating these entrenched militants is akin to chipping away at a robust stone wall; the work feels never-ending.

In this current phase of Operation “Hillaac,” the hope is to dismantle the last remaining pockets of resistance and restore complete territorial integrity. Yet, despite claims of success, a cloud of uncertainty hangs heavy. The elusive ISIS leader Abdikadir Mumin may have slipped through the net, but another figure, his deputy Abdirahman Fahiye Isse Mohamud, is still rumored to be lying in wait. One can’t help but wonder: How does a region rebuild itself when its adversary lurks in the shadows?

Deni’s frustrations extend beyond military successes and failures; they touch on the economic hardships that linger long after the dust has settled. “Northeastern State has spent millions of dollars in the war against ISIS,” he shared, emphasizing the heavy financial burden borne by the region. Foreign governments have contributed limited support, primarily through airstrikes and ground assistance. “The heaviest burden has fallen on Northeastern State itself,” he lamented. Reflection invites questions: How can a community flourish economically when its resources are continually diverted to fight such a calculated adversary?

The emergence of the Islamic State’s Somali segment, which began in 2015 with a sect of Al-Shabaab defectors, has added a malignant layer to the existing security landscape. While this faction may be smaller in scale than Al-Shabaab, its operations—extortion, smuggling, and even small-scale gold mining—have established it firmly in Northeastern State’s mountainous terrain. Each operation strips away layers of stability, raising pressing questions about local governance and resource management.

Against this backdrop, Northeastern State’s relations with the federal government ebb and flow with tension. The Somali Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Moalim Fiqi has criticized Northeastern State’s leadership for purportedly rejecting federal assistance in the ongoing battle against ISIS. Yet Deni’s perspective is resolute: “We have carried the heaviest burden,” he asserted, positioning Northeastern State as not just a region within Somalia, but as a beacon of resistance deserving of both recognition and support.

Navigating the complexities of this struggle is like walking a tightrope—how do you ensure safety, stability, and prosperity while combating an enemy that adapts and evolves? The journey ahead for Northeastern State is daunting, but as President Deni articulately shows, resolve, tenacity, and a commitment to transparency are just as vital as any military operation.

As the people of Northeastern State look towards their leadership for solutions, they face one undeniable truth: Real change will require more than guns and airstrikes; it will demand a concerted effort from both local and international communities to restore faith, stability, and hope.

Edited By Ali Musa

Axadle Times International – Monitoring