Puntland authorities have ruled out granting amnesty to foreign Daesh fighters hiding in the Al Miskat mountains, while offering Somali Daesh members a final opportunity to surrender. The decision follows a recent attack on a military base in Dharjaalle, where 12 foreign militants launched a deadly assault.
General Abdirahman of the Puntland Marine Police Force (PMPF) stated, “Foreign terrorists from various countries will not receive amnesty.” This stance reinforces Puntland’s commitment to combating external militant influence within its borders.
In response to the attack, Puntland security forces initiated an operation targeting ISIS strongholds in the Al Miskat mountains. Officials confirmed the destruction of several militant bases, signaling a decisive move against the group’s presence in the region.
ISIS had claimed responsibility for the Dharjaalle assault, describing it as a coordinated strike involving explosive-laden vehicles and reporting significant casualties among Puntland forces. These claims remain unverified by independent sources.
The Islamic State’s presence in Somalia’s northeastern Puntland region dates back to 2017, with its activities initially considered less significant compared to al-Shabaab. However, the group’s growing operations have heightened concerns about its expanding influence in the area.
This development underscores Puntland’s firm stance on foreign militants while emphasizing its readiness to counter the increasing threat posed by Daesh.