According to exclusive information obtained by Wall Africa Journal (WAJ), the man recently captured in Puntland’s Togga Baalade region—initially labeled a “Turkish national”—has now been identified as a Jordanian national with confirmed ties to the Daesh. Far from being an isolated terror incident, this arrest is revealing deeper layers of regional power plays and growing suspicions about foreign agendas in the Horn of Africa.
UAE’s Silent Depth: A Strategic Eye on Natural Resources?
Local sources seen by WAJ suggest that this development is not merely a counterterrorism issue but may be part of a broader geopolitical and economic agenda, particularly involving the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Several experts active in the region believe that the UAE is leveraging private military networks in both Puntland and Sudan to secure access to underground resources and key logistics corridors. In Sudan, the UAE has long been accused of backing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), using Colombian mercenaries to strengthen its hold on gold supply chains routed through Darfur and Khartoum.
Now, those same Colombian mercenaries have allegedly been sighted in northeastern Somalia(Puntland), sparking fears that a similar pattern may be emerging.
Togga Baalade Operation: One Case or the Tip of the Iceberg?
WAJ’s investigation reveals that the captured Daesh fighter was held for four days by members of Puntland’s 3rd Battalion. During this time, soldiers reportedly demanded bribes and promotions in exchange for not handing over the suspect. The issue was only resolved after high-ranking Puntland officials intervened, and the militant was transferred to the PMPF Naval Base in Bosaso.
This episode raises serious concerns about potential collusion within Puntland’s own security forces. Some units or commanders may have vested interests or indirect cooperation with extremist groups—claims says.
A Never-Ending Skirmish or an Engineered Conflict?
Operations against Daesh in Calmiskaat Mountains have been ongoing for nearly five months, yet local intelligence indicates that the number of militants in the area is between 300–500 at most. This discrepancy has sparked speculation that a prolonged, low-scale conflict may be intentionally sustained, offering justification for foreign actors—particularly the UAE—to maintain military and economic influence in the region.
Analysts warn that this so-called “endless micro-war” may serve as a cover to facilitate resource extraction and secure strategic footholds on Somali soil.
African Gold: UAE’s Shadow Economy
International trafficking data shows that illegally extracted gold from Africa is a major source of unregistered revenue for the UAE. From Sudan and Libya to Mali, Ghana and the Central African Republic, vast amounts of precious metals are reportedly funneled through Dubai-based commercial networks and re-exported globally.
Experts believe the UAE’s “gold strategy” relies on covert deals with armed factions. It worked in Sudan and it now appears a similar system may be unfolding in Somalia.