Northeastern State Forces Capture Turkish ISIS Fighter Amid Major Anti-Terror Offensive

BOSASO, Somalia – In a pivotal turn of events, the Northeastern State Counter-Terrorism Forces successfully apprehended a Turkish national entrenched with ISIS militants in northeastern Somalia. This bold stride marks a momentous effort in the ongoing battle against terrorism that has intensified over the past five months.

Northeastern State Defense Forces have joined forces with both the US Africa Command and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Their strategy? To infiltrate the Cal-Miskaad mountains—a longstanding ISIS stronghold. Together, they launched the bold Hilaac operation in December 2024, a mission befitting its name, “Lightning.” It blitzed the enemy lines with unwavering resolve.

Images aired by Northeastern State Television revealed a Turkish individual, believed to be part of the ISIS cadre, in the secluded Cal-Miskaad terrain. He was discovered in the Baalade valley, within Somalia’s Bari region—a pivotal ISIS bastion slowly crumbling under pressing security operations. He was armed with an AK-47, found fetching water from a nearby well.

This arrest may seem unsurprising in the current tide of events. Since the operation’s inception, numerous foreign nationals—fighters from Yemen, Morocco, Ethiopia, and Kenya—have either been neutralized or detained within Northeastern State’s borders.

Intelligence suggests an uptick in foreign fighters aiding ISIS on Somali soil. Consequently, Northeastern State’s regional government urged locals to be vigilant—report any unfamiliar faces within towns and market arenas. Community collaboration has led to multiple arrests, with several foreigners now investigating in police custody.

Northeastern State’s leadership remains steadfast, asserting that victory over ISIS is attainable. They voice frustration towards Somalia’s federal government for its perceived lack of support. Yet, with allies like the US and UAE providing crucial aerial surveillance, several terrorists have been systematically dismantled.

Consider this: in February, a key ISIS operative met his demise following a targeted strike announced by then-President Donald Trump. Even prior, despite assumptions surrounding the demise of Abdulkadir Mumin, ISIS’s international leader, reports illustrated otherwise. However, losing the strategically vital Cal-Miskaad mountains dealt a crushing blow to their operations.

Recently, Northeastern State forces seized control of key territories across the Sadow, Cadalle, and Raa-raha valleys within Baallade (Calmiskaad). This triumph followed three days of intense air and ground offensives, resulting in significant terrorist casualties and the confiscation of weapons and equipment.

It’s a curious paradox—a Turkish national fighting under the ISIS banner brings layers of complexity. Given Turkey’s prominent role as Somalia’s security and development partner, such news might provoke intense national discourse. Keep in mind; Turkey trains Somalia’s elite Gorgor troops who spearhead operations against Al-Shabaab in the south and central regions.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud continues collaborating with Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan on counterterrorism strategies, with Somalia reaping extensive benefits. Amid this, Mohamud faces pointed criticism for his approach in countering terror groups, igniting political debates. These dense partnerships and strategic decisions echo a powerful narrative—a question lurks though, at what broader cost?

Edit By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring