Somalia: Northeastern State Forces Launch Major Operation Against ISIS Remnants in Cal Miskaad

BOSASO, Somalia – On an auspicious morning in the Baalade Valley, the rhythmic hum of helicopter blades marked a significant step against terror. Northeastern State security forces, with air support, embarked on an ambitious offensive aimed at dislodging remaining ISIS militants entrenched in the rugged Sadow Cave area near Sadow Well. This strategic operation, as shared by local officials on Thursday, represents a critical phase of ongoing efforts to dismantle the Islamic State’s hold in this region.

Why, you might ask, has this struggle persisted since those early days in 2015? The steep and often unforgiving Cal Miskaad mountains have provided natural fortresses for the Islamic State’s affiliates. It’s here, amidst these ancient stones, that they found refuge and regrouped. But Northeastern State authorities, seasoned by years of conflict, have not wavered in their resolve. “We have retaken significant ground,” shared a security official intimately familiar with the operation, though they preferred to remain nameless.

This tactical operation isn’t just about geographical gains; it’s about sending a clear message. “We will not allow them to re-establish bases in Northeastern State,” declared the senior official, emphasizing an unyielding commitment. Indeed, the operation went beyond merely reclaiming land—it involved obliterating the very caves where agents of terror found shelter, capturing several insurgents, and in some cases, engaging them in combat.

Hasn’t history taught us that the seeds of insurgency are resilient requiring constant vigilance? The slow erosion of ISIS’s influence in the Bari region over recent months attests to this truth. Buoyed by their successes, Northeastern State forces seem steadfast, endlessly pursuing remnants of this fragmented yet persistent adversary.

Anecdotes from the battlefield reveal a narrative of courage and endurance. Imagine a young soldier, not much more than twenty, yet battle-hardened over countless campaigns, sharing his dreams of a peaceful future for his homeland. “We’re fighting for more than land; we’re fighting for a legacy of peace,” he might say, his eyes reflecting the weight of his resolve.

The arduous campaign against ISIS predates December 2024, marking a concerted effort by Northeastern State, bolstered by partnerships with U.S. and UAE allies, to eradicate terrorist strongholds and neutralize senior leadership. A statement from Northeastern State’s Ministry of Security notes these collaborative successes, a testament to international cooperation’s power in pursuit of global security.

As this saga unfolds, one can’t help but ponder: What future do we envision for Somalia—a land where resilience meets the promise of peace? And how will these efforts, fraught with challenges and sacrifices, resonate beyond its borders?

In a region rich with history, where every valley and mountaintop holds echoes of ancient tales, the journey towards peace is not just a military endeavor but a deeply human one. Here, among the stones of Cal Miskaad, Northeastern State’s story is being rewritten, one operation at a time.

Edited by Ali Musa, Axadle Times International – Monitoring