ISIS expands entrenchment in Puntland's rugged mountains

A quiet war is unfolding in the mountain ranges of Puntland, Somalia’s northeastern state. ISIS, a militant group once dismissed as a minor player in the Horn of Africa, is entrenching itself in the rugged Al Miskat and Al Madow mountains, building bases, roads, and networks that defy easy containment.

Intelligence reports reveal that in recent months, ISIS has established multiple fortified positions in strategic locations like Moqoro, Dhabanado, Anjeel, and Sido. These bases, perched along the Balade Valley leading to Bosaso, Puntland’s economic lifeline, offer the group a tactical advantage. New roads connect these outposts, allowing militants to move seamlessly through critical points such as Hantara near the Indian Ocean, Habley Valley, and the village of Tajij.

The insurgency has already begun to disrupt Puntland’s economy. In Bosaso, businesses have reported extortion demands from ISIS, leading to the closure of several enterprises. 

Puntland’s leadership has launched a multi-faceted response, blending military operations with calls for community action. Vice President Ahmed Elmi, speaking at a town hall last week, urged residents to assist security forces in combating ISIS influence.

However, officials have downplayed the extent of ISIS’s influence.

ISIS’s growing footprint in Puntland has raised alarms beyond Somalia’s borders. Analysts warn that its expansion could destabilize the Horn of Africa, a region already grappling with piracy, clan conflicts, and the enduring presence of Al-Shabaab. Often seen as a bastion of relative stability, Puntland now finds itself on the frontlines of a new insurgency.

Experts agree that defeating ISIS in Puntland will require more than local efforts. A coordinated response involving regional allies and international partners is essential to dismantle the group’s infrastructure and prevent further escalation. Puntland’s government, meanwhile, is under increasing pressure to adapt its military strategies to counter an enemy that thrives in the shadows.