Puntland Forces Engage in Heavy Combat with ISIS in Cal Miskaad Mountains

GAROWE, Puntland – Puntland security forces are engaged in intense battles with ISIS militants (locally known as Daacish) in the Cal Miskaad mountain range, military officials confirmed on Tuesday. The clashes mark a significant escalation in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the region.

The fighting is focused in the Kaadi-loho area, where Puntland troops are attempting to dislodge ISIS fighters from fortified trench positions.

In an update from the anti-terror unit Hillaac, the military stated that its forces had successfully cleared ISIS from their strongholds in the Ceelasha Baarakallaah and Shakaallo areas.

Puntland authorities reported that several ISIS militants were killed in the operation and a number of others were captured alive. Operations are ongoing to pursue the remaining fighters.

The offensive is part of the newly launched fourth phase of Operation Hillaac, which specifically targets ISIS elements entrenched in the rugged Cal Miskaad terrain.

In a separate but related incident, Puntland forces captured a Turkish national, Feyzul Hashim Suleymaan, during a raid in the Togga Baalade area on Monday. This is the second Turkish citizen apprehended in the last two months, following the capture of Hassan Ataar in June.

According to security sources, two other wanted individuals—Emre Kemal Yılmaz and Aylin Derya Kaya—remain at large and are believed to be hiding somewhere in the Cal Miskaad mountains.