GAROWE (Kaab TV) – The Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is assisting Puntland in providing compensation to soldiers who lost their lives in the fight against ISIS (ISIS-Somalia), which has been ongoing for a year in the Al-Miskaad mountains.
Kaab TV has learned that a delegation led by Puntland President Saeed Abdullahi Deni, who recently visited the UAE, held discussions with the UAE Government on ways to provide extensive support to Puntland’s operations against Daesh.
Puntland has emphasized the importance of boosting the morale of its fighting forces and has requested support to compensate the families of soldiers who died in the conflict.
While the exact number of soldiers who have died in Puntland has not been officially announced, estimates suggest the toll is in the hundreds since the launch of the Lightning Operation, which targeted ISIS positions in the region.
Sources close to the Puntland presidency have confirmed that up to $20,000 will be provided to the family of each soldier who died during Operation Hellaac.
This initiative could help Puntland build confidence in its military forces fighting against the terrorist group. The region has recently faced criticism for allegedly failing to provide adequate medical care and support to soldiers injured in the anti-terrorism campaign.
In addition, Puntland hopes the UAE will assist with the salaries of government employees. Currently, the UAE covers the salaries of the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF), which received training from the UAE.
Puntland has faced a financial shortfall due to the suspension of international budget support, which it has not received for more than six years because of conflicts with the Federal Government in Mogadishu.