Garowe, Puntland (KAAB TV) – Security forces in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region have captured two foreign nationals believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS), authorities confirmed Friday.
The two men were apprehended near Kalabayr, a remote area in the Bari region, during a security operation conducted by Puntland’s Counter-Terrorism Forces late Thursday evening. Officials have identified the suspects as foreign fighters, but their nationalities have not yet been disclosed pending further investigation.
“This successful operation is part of our continued efforts to dismantle ISIS presence in Puntland,” said a senior security official who spoke on condition of anonymity. “These individuals were tracked over several days, and their capture is a significant blow to the terrorist group’s regional network.”
Puntland security forces have been engaged in an ongoing campaign to combat insurgent groups operating in the rugged mountain ranges of Bari, particularly around the Galgala Hills where ISIS-affiliated militants have established footholds.
The two militants are currently in custody in Bosaso, where they are undergoing interrogation by Puntland intelligence services. Officials indicated that the men are believed to have played active roles in recruiting and facilitating logistics for the ISIS branch operating in Somalia.
ISIS’s presence in Somalia is smaller compared to the more powerful al-Shabaab group but has remained persistent, especially in Puntland’s mountainous areas. The extremist group has claimed responsibility for several attacks in the region over the past few years, including assassinations and bombings targeting security personnel and local officials.
The Puntland administration has repeatedly called for greater support from the international community to counter the threat posed by foreign fighters and extremist groups exploiting Somalia’s complex security landscape.