BOSASO (Kaab TV) – Puntland counter-terrorism officials have identified the top countries where foreign terrorist fighters entering the region originate.
In late December, Puntland forces eliminated 12 foreign Islamic State (IS) fighters during a foiled car bomb attack on a military base in Dharjaalle, a remote mountainous area in Bari.
The regional forces have been engaged in operations against ISIS militants since late December when the counter-terror campaign was launched.
The bodies of the slain IS fighters were recovered, revealing that they included nationals from Ethiopia, Tunisia, Morocco, Tanzania, and other countries.
In January, Puntland security forces confiscated identity documents belonging to Mohamed Ahmed Al-Hawshani, a Saudi national believed to be a key financier of IS operations in the region.
Mohamed Ahmed Al Hawshani, the Saudi national who is an Islamic State militant , travelled via Egypt according to his passport and visa stamps on his passport.
This could give an insight into how wealthy terrorist members travel when entering Somalia.Al Hawshani was not… pic.twitter.com/YmnaA7NbVN
— Kaab TV Breaking News (@KaabTV_Breaking) January 16, 2025
Top Countries of Origin for ISIS Fighters Heading to Puntland:
According to Puntland intelligence sources, foreign fighters entering the region mainly come from:
North Africa: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Sudan
Middle East: Syria, Saudi Arabia, Yemen
East Africa: Ethiopia, Tanzania
While ISIS-Somalia remains smaller in scale compared to al-Shabaab, its continued presence in Puntland highlights the region’s vulnerability.
ISIS established itself in Puntland in 2015 when a faction led by Abdulqadir Mumin broke away from al-Shabaab and pledged allegiance to ISIS.
Operating mainly in the Golis Mountains, ISIS-Somalia has carried out assassinations and IED attacks targeting security forces and local leaders.
Puntland’s strategic location along the Gulf of Aden and its proximity to the Red Sea make it a crucial area for international maritime trade.
This geography has also made it a hotspot for smuggling networks and illicit activities, which militant groups exploit for funding.
The region’s security challenges are further complicated by the involvement of international actors and the broader geopolitical landscape.