Terrorism Under the Hammer of Allies in Somalia
From the Al-Miskad Mountains in the Puntland region to the Kenyan border, the Somali government is intensifying its efforts to put pressure on the terrorist groups Al-Shabaab and ISIS.
In what appears to be a coordinated effort, Puntland’s security forces launched a specialized operation in parallel with Kenya’s measures to close their shared borders, anticipating potential armed infiltrations.
Targeted Operation in Al-Miskad
In a move that demonstrates the region’s growing security and intelligence capabilities, Puntland forces announced the arrest of a foreign fighter affiliated with ISIS in the Al-Miskad Mountains in northeastern Somalia.
According to Puntland authorities, the operation—described as “one of the most successful strikes against the organization in years”—was carried out following intelligence surveillance of infiltration routes and supply points.
The Al-Miskad Mountains, with their rugged terrain and natural hideouts, are considered ISIS’s last stronghold in the country.
Puntland’s security officials confirmed that the captured foreign fighter was part of a cell responsible for training and coordinating the group’s operations in the area, an indication that foreign fighters continue to flow into Somalia despite strict security controls.
Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni described the operation as “a strategic turning point in counterterrorism efforts,” noting that Puntland forces had successfully dismantled financial and military networks that sustained the group. He also announced the deployment of 300 newly trained police officers in Garowe to strengthen internal security.
Mogadishu: Split Within Al-Shabaab
Meanwhile, in the south, Somalia’s federal government announced the arrest of a former Al-Shabaab commander named Mohamed Amin, known as “the Afghan Poet,” after he defected and surrendered to the national army.
According to Brigadier General Ibrahim Yusuf of Mogadishu’s security services, “the surrender is evidence of the internal erosion of Al-Shabaab’s cohesion.” He added that the Somali government will continue its amnesty and reintegration program for fighters who abandon extremist movements.
The defected commander, who led around sixty fighters, reportedly left the group due to worsening humanitarian conditions in Al-Shabaab’s camps and the lack of support and care for its members.
Upon his arrest, he expressed deep regret for his years with Al-Shabaab, revealing the inhumane living conditions, constant pressure, and lack of medical and humanitarian care that pushed him to defect.
Northern Borders Under Security Watch
In Kenya, security forces have intensified operations along the Somali border, particularly in Mandera County, located in the tri-border area between Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya. The move follows reports of armed movements suspected to be linked to Al-Shabaab.
According to Kenyan sources, army and paramilitary police units have been conducting ground patrols and aerial surveillance, supported by intelligence gathered from local residents in border areas.
Kenyan officials stated that these operations aim to prevent any terrorist cells from infiltrating the country, adding that authorities have raised the alert level to its maximum in anticipation of possible attacks during the end of the year.
These measures come after a series of deadly attacks carried out by Al-Shabaab targeting infrastructure projects and communication towers in northeastern Kenya.
The Kenyan government, in coordination with Somalia and international partners, reaffirmed its commitment to a preventive cross-border deterrence policy to stop the spread of terrorist threats from Somali territory into Kenya.
