Tuesday March 4, 2025
FILE - Puntland’s Minister of Justice and Religious Affairs, Mohamed Abdiwahaab
Speaking on the country's security situation, Abdiwahaab said that the absence of strong leadership and a unified counterterrorism approach has weakened national efforts to curb extremism. "Southern Somalia is overrun by terrorists—not just due to circumstances, but because there is no cohesive government, no sustained effort, and no unified vision to combat extremism," he said.
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His comments come as Puntland continues its own military campaign against IS militants in the Al Miskaad mountains of the Bari region. Puntland forces launched Operation Hilaac in late 2024, capturing key militant strongholds and neutralizing several IS fighters. The ongoing offensive has resulted in the seizure of over 250 square kilometres of territory and 50 militant bases.Despite Puntland's aggressive stance against IS, it claims cooperation with the federal government in Mogadishu has been minimal and strained. Puntland suspended its collaboration with the federal government in early 2024, citing political disagreements. The disengagement has created gaps in counterterrorism efforts, with federal authorities struggling to coordinate joint operations against Al-Shabaab and IS.
The Somali government has accused Puntland of rejecting assistance in counterterrorism efforts. Somalia's Foreign Minister recently claimed that Puntland refused federal support in its anti-IS fight, exacerbating security vulnerabilities in the region.