Mogadishu (AX) – It’s no secret that Northeastern State has been a bit rocky on the security front, and Federal Minister of Interior, Ali Yusuf Hoosh, isn’t holding back his critiques. He’s really tearing into Northeastern State’s President, Said Abdullahi Deni, accusing the leader of sitting on his hands when it comes to dealing with the increasingly bold ISIS presence in the area.
“It’s like the leadership in Northeastern State has turned a blind eye to ISIS in recent years, giving them a free pass to set up shop,” Minister Hoosh noted bluntly. He’s pointing fingers at the regional government for not stepping up and thereby letting the security situation spiral out of control, not just for Northeastern State, but potentially affecting all of Somalia.
Hoosh is appealing to the brain trust and broader community within Northeastern State to take a hard look at how things are running—or breaking down, really. He suggests they’ve veered off course from their foundational principles. “
“Enough with the self-centered agendas and divisive tactics,” he urged, calling for the regional bigwigs to get back in step with a vision of national unity and camaraderie.”
On a more upbeat note, Minister Hoosh was quick to spotlight the strides made by the Somali federal authorities in a slew of sectors, and he didn’t hesitate to pitch for Northeastern State to loosen up and contribute more meaningfully towards a steady political climate nationwide.
This stern talking-to comes hot on the heels of a brazen attack by ISIS on a military base in Dharjaale located in the Bari region. The insurgents claimed this brutal assault led to the demise of 22 soldiers from Northeastern State, with many more wounded. But local officials aren’t buying those numbers, casting doubt over the casualty claims.
The roots of the ISIS problem in Northeastern State trace back to 2015 when the group first hunkered down in the secluded Al Miskat Mountains. Since those early days, the rugged backcountry, coupled with Northeastern State’s pivotal geographical spot, has served as a handy launch pad for ISIS’s shady dealings. They’re knee-deep in extortion and smuggling operations, keeping the region in a constant state of peril.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
