Joint Airstrikes Targeting ISIS Operatives in Somalia’s Rugged Terrain

BOSASO, Somalia – Under the scorching sun of Somalia’s Cal-Miskaad mountains, a covert yet relentless battle unfolds. Here, the United States and US Africa Command intensify their airstrike operations, targeting the clandestine hideouts of ISIS militants. Why are these missions essential? The answer lies in the details: facilitating the local forces’ giant strides against this insurgent group.

In the past eight weeks, ISIS militants, once deemed indomitable, have been backed into a corner, thanks to a meticulously crafted campaign. This operation, engineered by Northeastern State’s regional government under the tutelage of Said Abdullahi Deni, moves forward with unyielding determination. “Whether Mogadishu supports us or not, the war must proceed,” Deni remarked in a recent address.

On the weekend, the synergy between US forces and Northeastern State’s troops led to two pivotal airstrikes within the rough terrains of the Cal Miskaad mountains. Armed with intelligence that runs as deep as the local canyons, these military efforts targeted ISIS strongholds with precision. As of now, the tally of casualties remains undisclosed.

These recent aerial assaults by the United States weave into a broader tapestry of strategic interventions—most greenlit potentially from the halls of the Pentagon. Earlier this month, former President Donald Trump heralded an inaugural wave of airstrikes aimed at an ISIS ‘planner’ nestled within the Bari region.

What about international collaboration in these operations? Enter the United Arab Emirates. Engaging in Operation Lightning, the UAE fortifies Northeastern State’s efforts with unparalleled aerial surveillance and crucial logistical support.

In the latest development, the Northeastern State Counter-Terrorism Command reported that UAE-backed airstrikes in the Darar-Madoobe area of Cal-Miskaad dismantled a group of over a dozen militants. Among the fallen were high-ranking ISIS members. Witnesses described fiery scenes where ISIS transport trucks, once in motion, were reduced to smoldering remains.

Earlier collaboration efforts also included targeting the notorious Xankookib caves near Dhasan in Cal-Miskaad. The strikes obliterated weapons depots and vehicles housed by ISIS, laying waste to their material advantages while tallying further militant casualties.

The Northeastern State government openly extends its appreciation to the UAE for their steadfast support. Yet, an unsettling question lingers—where does the federal government of Somalia stand in all of this? Their silence becomes increasingly apparent as Northeastern State withstands the brunt of ISIS aggression.

Northeastern State remains steadfast in its prediction. As the months roll on, the prospects of completely eradicating ISIS from their home soil appear tangible. However, concerns ripple through these optimistic forecasts. After all, combating terrorism has invariably been a multifaceted global venture. Shouldn’t strong internal support be not just hoped for but an expectation?

AXADLETM

It’s in moments like these that the world watches—a poignant reminder of complex alliances and the ever-urgent quest for peace.

Report By Ali Musa

Axadle Times international–Monitoring