Multiple Daesh Combatants Eliminated in Somalia’s Northeastern State Region
Along the sun-drenched shores of Qaw in Northeastern State, northeastern Somalia, a lone member of the Somali security forces patrols diligently, casting an ever-watchful eye across the vast landscape. It’s December 18th, 2016. This snapshot, courtesy of AFP, paints a vivid picture of vigilance and resilience against the relentless backdrop of security threats.
Fast forward to the bustling capital of Mogadishu, where the hum of daily life mingles with the palpable tension of ongoing military maneuvers. Somali security forces have issued an emphatic statement: they’ve delivered a heavy blow to Daesh, neutralizing a number of its operatives and seizing eight key outposts in the semi-autonomous region of Northeastern State.
While Daesh’s footprint in Somalia isn’t as pronounced as that of Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda ally, whispers of its growing presence send ripples across international security circles. After all, small ripples can precede a tidal wave. Last year, a United Nations counter-terrorism official sounded the alarm on the escalating activities of these militant affiliates, not just in Somalia, but in far-flung locales like Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The latest operation, a strategic offensive that unfolded on a Monday, zeroed in on the rugged Cal Miskat mountains within the Bari region. Somali military honchos wasted no time in declaring victory. “Eight Daesh military outposts have fallen under our control,” the Northeastern State army proclaimed energetically. They didn’t stop there. The victory lap included the elimination of numerous combatants—some of whom hailed from beyond Somali borders.
In a twist resembling a scene from a high-stakes action film, the army thwarted a daring Daesh tactic: nine drones, armed to the teeth with explosives, attempting to rain destruction upon the advancing soldiers. “We shot them down,” the military’s communiqué declared with steely resolve. As the dust settled, the message was clear: the advance was far from over. The objective? Root out the remaining havens of terror lurking in the shadows.
Ahmed Rage, a battle-hardened military commander entrenched in the thick of the action, shared a gripping account of the clash. “Heavy fighting,” he recounted, eyes likely glinting with determination. The Daesh militants, he explained, had retreated to the sanctuary of a mountain cave, a classic last stand. Yet, despite their entrenched position, Rage delivered uplifting news: the army was indeed making headway, inching closer to dismantling these strongholds.
As the dust settles on this chapter of conflict, the figure of Abdul Qadir Mumin looms large in discussions. Mumin, a native son of Northeastern State, is not merely a leader but, as experts like Tore Hamming from the International Center for the Study of Radicalization (ICSR) suggest, a pivotal player in the global Daesh tapestry. His influence extends far beyond his homeland, connecting to a network that doesn’t recognize borders.
In the end, as the battle wages on, one can’t help but ponder: How does a region scarred by conflict find its way to peace? What stories remain untold, hidden within the folds of these mountains and outposts? And perhaps most poignantly, what legacy do these clashes leave for those who call Northeastern State home?
In a world fraught with uncertainties, one truth stands undeniable: The will to protect and preserve one’s homeland burns fiercely. It’s a story not just of conflict, but of resilience, ingenuity, and an unwavering spirit—a testament to the enduring human condition. Report By Axadle
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
