Northeastern State Forces Seize ISIS Headquarters in the Mountains

BOSASO, Somalia – In a daring and strategic operation, Northeastern State security forces have made a significant breakthrough by seizing what is believed to be the main headquarters of the ISIS militants in Somalia. This move, detailed by the counterterrorism centre in a recently released statement, marks another critical step towards liberating the state from the clutches of terrorism.

For the past three months, the determined Northeastern State forces have waged a relentless campaign to dislodge the militants from their strongholds. Notably, they’ve accomplished this without substantial support from the federal authorities, albeit occasionally benefited by airstrikes orchestrated by the US Africa Command and the United Arab Emirates. “It’s a testament to our tenacity,” a local official noted, with a faint trace of pride resonating in his voice.

Significantly, this operation led to the elimination of Ahmed Maeleninine, a senior ISIS operative. Known as a pivotal recruiter, financier, and orchestrator of operations, Maeleninine was instrumental in deploying jihadists not just locally, but reaching as far as the United States and Europe. His demise symbolizes a crippling blow to ISIS’s operational capabilities.

On Saturday, forces discovered concrete structures erected by ISIS in the Cal-Miskaad mountains. A reflection of the militants’ once-firm entrenchment, these buildings underscore the commitment of Northeastern State forces to eradicate this menace. “Not only were these structures indicative of ISIS’s former stronghold, but they also served as strategic command centers in the area,” explains a statement from the counterterrorism centre.

Adding depth to the tale, there are reports of previously undetected underground tunnels and cave systems in the vicinity. “The discovery of these subterranean passageways is akin to peeling back layers of a long-standing campaign of fear and control,” recounted an officer. As forces unearth burnt vehicles and leftover equipment, it begins to paint a picture of a regime on the run, likely displaced by precise airstrikes aimed at severing their command and control infrastructure.

Operation Lightning has been noteworthy not just for its tangible victories, but for the simultaneous hemorrhaging of ISIS’s manpower. Many militants have perished, while numerous others have opted to surrender to local authorities. The operation underscores a striking shift—foreign nationals who had been training and fighting within Northeastern State have dwindled significantly, marking a waning international interest in their doomed cause.

The final phase of this mission involves dislodging ISIS from its remaining bastions, with the sense of urgency palpable. “Even if Mogadishu isn’t fully aligned with us, the battle is far from one-sided. We’re committed, with or without their explicit support,” insisted a general leading the battle efforts. The forces are pursuing this endeavor from multiple approaches, engaging tactical strategies that reflect a cohesive and unified military front.

As we reflect on this ongoing struggle, a poignant question emerges: What drives these men and women to risk everything for peace? In these hostile terrains, where the stakes are overwhelming, the human spirit finds resonance with the equally formidable landscape. And so, the journey continues—forging paths not just through mountains, but towards a future of hope and resilience.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring