In the Bari region, Puntland security forces reported that ISIS has been expelled from the Al Miskad mountains after a week of operations that included drone interdiction, base seizures, and targeted strikes against militants. The campaign, described by officials as a decisive move, involved monitoring and neutralizing aerial threats—nine drones were intercepted—while four key ISIS bases were captured and twenty fighters were believed to have been eliminated. The operation was conducted across rugged terrain that has long served as a hideout and a logistical corridor for insurgent activity in central Somalia. (Source: SONNA)
Security authorities also confirmed the destruction of critical militant infrastructure, including a food warehouse and a health center, and the seizure of armaments. In addition, they announced the recapture of strategic terrain within Bari, highlighting the recovery of four bases as combat operations continued over several days. (Source: SONNA)
A military spokesperson framed the development as a turning point in the broader fight against terrorism, noting that the operation pushed ISIS fighters away from areas that had been difficult to access and control. The message underscored a shift in momentum as Puntland forces extend their reach into previously contested zones. (Source: SONNA)
The anti-terror operation in the Al Miskad mountains did not come without costs. According to the Hiiran Online portal, several Puntland soldiers were killed and others injured during the fighting, though authorities have not released official casualty figures. The balance of losses remains under review as the security campaign proceeds. (Source: Hiiran Online)
Bari is widely viewed as a focal point in the power struggle between Al Shabaab and ISIS within the Puntland region. The struggle for influence complicates efforts to stabilize remote districts and hampers long‑term planning for security and humanitarian relief in the area. (Source: SONNA)
Together, these developments illustrate the ongoing security efforts in Somalia where militant networks maintain presence in scattered pockets even as government forces push back. The recent gains appear to constrain insurgent activity and disrupt potential supply routes that support militant activities in central Somalia. (Source: SONNA)
Analysts suggest that the gains achieved by Puntland forces could limit the operational capacity of ISIS by degrading its bases and reducing access to logistical networks. The operation may also shift the strategic balance in the region, pressuring militant groups to reconsider their reliance on secure sanctuaries along the Bari front. (Source: SONNA)
Regional observers note the timing of the announcements amid broader political and security dynamics in Somalia, with authorities signaling increased patrols and a readiness to respond quickly to new threats. Communities in Bari and neighboring districts are advised to stay alert as security forces continue to consolidate gains and monitor potential spillover effects from ongoing clashes. (Source: SONNA)
In summary, the Bari firefight highlights the persistence of ISIS and its affiliates in parts of Somalia, even as Puntland security forces declare meaningful ground gains. The evolving security situation remains a focal point for regional stability efforts and international partners monitoring counterterrorism developments in the Horn of Africa.