In brief
The Puntland Defence Forces, backed by US military assistance, are engaged in a relentless campaign against ISIS fighters entrenched in Somalia's Al-Miskad mountains. As they confront harsh conditions and face a resilient enemy, local soldiers remain committed to uprooting the terrorists responsible for widespread suffering in the region.
In Somalia's remote al-Miskad mountains, a group of soldiers huddles around a small hand-held screen, tracking Islamic State group fighters on a drone feed. A figure appears in the picture, moving through a valley. 'He has been to fetch water for his friends,' says the drone operator. The man is near a cave, which the army believes is a hideout for 50 to 60 IS fighters.The Puntland Defence Forces have about 500 soldiers stationed at this base in north-east Somalia. Ten years ago, this barren landscape was home to only a few nomadic communities, but that changed when IS established a foothold here.During testimony, General Michael Langley, former commander of the U.S. Africa Command, informed Congress that 'ISIS controls their global network from Somalia.' Recent years have seen the U.S. supporting Somalia's efforts against IS, carrying out numerous attacks on insurgents hidden in caves. By April 2025, the Pentagon had executed 60 strikes against IS in Somalia.Although IS's ability to stage attacks has been degraded, it maintains significance through support for other affiliates.The group, founded by Abdulqadir Mumin, a Somali national with British citizenship, has swiftly become a major component in the regional terror landscape, with influence spanning from local crime to terrorist training hubs.Life under IS brought strict, oppressive rules, generating deep scars in communities. The stories shared among local residents highlight the pervasive fear and brutality experienced during their reign.Despite setbacks, IS continues to possess operational capabilities, keeping its remnants hidden within the region. As soldiers brace for conflicts, the dedicated efforts of the Puntland Defence Forces exemplify a fierce commitment to reclaiming their homeland. Their fight against ISIS is uncompromising, with soldiers vowing not to relent until the last terrorist is apprehended.
