Saturday April 19, 2025
Garowe (HOL) — Puntland regional forces have announced the complete clearance of Islamic State (ISIS) fighters from the Dooxada Miraale area in the Bari region following a prolonged and intense military operation on Friday.
In a brief statement, Puntland authorities confirmed that ISIS militants entrenched in the area were killed during a direct confrontation that lasted nearly 12 hours—the most sustained engagement between Puntland forces and ISIS since February.
The regional government acknowledged that several of its soldiers were also killed, though the exact casualty figures were not disclosed.“This marks a decisive moment in our operation. Dooxada Miraale, which had been used as a base by ISIS for years, is now fully under our control,” the statement read.
Security officials noted that ISIS fighters had fortified their mountain positions with heavy weaponry and machine guns, making the battle particularly difficult. Despite the fierce resistance, Puntland forces pressed through and are now preparing to enter the third phase of their campaign to eradicate the extremist group from the Calmiskaad mountain range.
The Puntland government said it will release full details and verified casualty figures in the coming days.
ISIS-Somalia, a U.S.- and UN-designated terrorist organization, has used remote terrain in the Bari region as a hideout since splintering from Al-Shabaab. The group is known for smuggling arms, extorting local populations, and attempting to expand its influence in northeastern Somalia.