GAROWE (KAAB TV) – The Puntland regional government has confirmed that Abdiqadir Muumin, the leader of the Islamic State (Daesh) faction in Somalia, has escaped from the Calmiskaad mountains amid ongoing military operations in the region. Despite his escape, Puntland forces report significant territorial gains, having reclaimed over 98% of the strategic mountain range.
Brigadier General Mohamud Ahmed Fadhigo, spokesperson for Operation Hilaac (Lightning), informed local media that intelligence gathered from international partners confirmed Muumin’s escape. According to the general, while the exact timing and method of his departure remain unclear, Muumin is no longer believed to be in the Calmiskaad area, where Puntland’s security forces have been conducting sustained operations for over six months.
Although Muumin has fled, his second-in-command, Abdirahman Fahiye Isse Mohamud, is reportedly still hiding in the remaining militant-held territory within the mountains. General Fadhigo expressed optimism that Puntland forces will soon apprehend or neutralize him, thereby further weakening the group’s operational capacity in the region.
The announcement comes shortly after Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni declared the successful completion of the third phase of the ongoing counterterrorism campaign against Daesh. President Deni also announced the launch of the fourth and final phase, which will target isolated pockets where remaining Daesh militants are believed to be in hiding.
During his speech, President Deni emphasized the international dimension of the threat Puntland has been combating. He stated that fighters captured or killed in recent engagements included individuals from Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America, underlining the global reach of the extremist group. The President stressed that Puntland’s actions have averted a broader national threat to Somalia and significantly disrupted Daesh’s regional operations.
In a notable development, Puntland security forces captured a foreign fighter affiliated with Daesh just two days ago. Described as the first white foreigner to be apprehended alive in recent years, the arrest highlights the transnational nature of the militant organization and underscores the effectiveness of Puntland’s intelligence-driven operations.
With most of the Calmiskaad mountains now under Puntland’s control, authorities remain focused on eliminating the remaining militant strongholds and restoring stability to the region. The ongoing operations mark one of the most significant counterterrorism efforts in Somalia’s recent history.