Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – Intense fighting has been reported in the rugged terrain of the Cal Miskaad mountains, specifically around the Il-Abbal well, a strategic site believed to be a key operational base for both Puntland security forces and the Islamic State (ISIS/Daesh) faction operating in northeastern Somalia.
According to credible sources on the ground, Puntland’s elite security forces launched a coordinated and pre-planned offensive on Il-Abbal, targeting high-ranking figures within the Islamic State’s Somali branch.
Among the primary targets is Abdirahman Fahiye Ise Mohamud, who is widely believed to be the deputy leader of ISIS in Somalia. Intelligence reports suggest that he was present in the area at the time of the attack.
The Il-Abbal well, situated near the Qansaxdheere stream and close to the coastal villages of Buruc and Badad in the Bosaso District, has long been identified as a critical stronghold for ISIS militants. Its remote and mountainous location in the Bari region has made it a natural hideout and recruitment ground for extremist fighters.
The group has used the area to regroup, train new recruits, and coordinate attacks both within Somalia and across the Horn of Africa.
Local security officials confirmed that heavy clashes broke out shortly after the Puntland troops engaged the militants. They reported that multiple ISIS fighters were killed during the confrontation, with bodies of the militants seen scattered across the battlefield.
However, Puntland authorities have not yet released an official statement detailing the number of casualties or the current status of the operation.
This operation is part of Puntland’s broader campaign to dismantle terrorist networks in the region, especially as ISIS has intensified its activities in the mountainous areas of northeastern Somalia.
Although smaller in number compared to Al-Shabaab, the ISIS faction in Somalia has remained a persistent threat due to its access to smuggling routes, foreign fighters, and weapons caches in the Cal Miskaad range.
Residents in nearby villages have reportedly heard gunfire and explosions throughout the day, prompting concerns about safety and potential displacement.
The Puntland government is expected to issue a formal update as the operation progresses. In the meantime, military sources suggest that the offensive is ongoing, and further clashes are likely as troops continue to pursue remaining ISIS fighters in the area.