Garowe (Horn Life) – The Puntland regional counterterrorism centre yesterday confirmed that Operation Lightning is entering its final phase, as ISIS‑Somalia militants continue to suffer major defeats across the rugged Cal‑Miskaad mountains in Puntland’s Bari region.
Regional forces recently uncovered a terrorist training cave between Lugta Garared and Sul Sul, seizing Arabic‑language training materials and the identity card of a Tanzanian terrorist. According to Puntland officials, these discoveries reflect a broader dismantling of ISIS infrastructure in the area.
Elsewhere, troops intercepted a food-supply vehicle near Bosaso en route to militant positions, arresting two men and disrupting the group’s logistics.
Persistent Territorial Gains
Since the start of the offensive:
In January 2025, security forces destroyed dozens of ISIS bases, downed multiple explosive-equipped drones, and retook strategic wells and villages across the Cal‑Miskaad terrain.
In February, coordinated ground and aerial operations by Puntland forces, with support from the UAE and United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), resulted in more than 100 militants killed in combined engagements. At least 85 militants died in two days of fighting, while drone strikes targeted senior leadership in cave complexes near Bosaso.
A late May to early June push killed over 35 ISIS fighters, decimated weapon and supply caches, and liberated the longstanding command center in Miraale Valley—a key stronghold of the insurgent group.
Foreign Fighter Recruitment Disrupted
Captured documents and equipment highlight ISIS-Somalia’s reliance on foreign recruits, including nationals from East Africa and Maghreb nations. This discovery reinforces the transnational nature of the terror group, which has attempted to establish a foothold in Puntland’s mountainous hideouts.
Local and International Support
Though Puntland has largely conducted the campaign independently of Mogadishu, the operation has benefited from airstrike assistance from the UAE and AFRICOM, which helped eliminate key targets and facilitate ground advances. Local communities have also provided valuable intelligence support, aiding in the targeting of militant positions.
With estimates suggesting that 98% of Cal‑Miskaad has now been retaken, Puntland authorities assert that remainder pockets of ISIS are being flushed out. The regional government has launched the final clearance phase to hunt down any remaining militants or fleeing leadership figures.
