According to the operation’s commanders, Miiraale Valley, located in the Cal Miskaad range, was believed to be a key hiding area for ISIS Somalia militants, who have been fiercely resisting the advancing forces.

In a brief statement, Puntland forces reported that they cleared the valley’s caves of the militants who had been hiding there.

This marks the third phase of the ongoing military offensive.

The operation against the ISIS-affiliated group began in December 2024, and Puntland authorities say that most of the mountainous areas have now been cleared of the group’s presence.

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has supported the operation with aerial strikes targeting ISIS hideouts, while the United Arab Emirates contributed equipment and financial aid.

Kenya and Ethiopia have also provided support to the campaign.

ISIS Somalia is believed to have its main base in the Cal Miskaad and Cal Madow mountain ranges in the Bari region.

Meanwhile, Al-Shabaab, linked to the Al-Qaeda network, also maintains strongholds in Cal Madow and the Golis mountains.

Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni announced in December that once the Cal Miskaad operation concludes, troops will advance into the Cal Madow mountains to clear out remaining extremist elements.

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