Puntland Declares Total Victory Over ISIS in Dooxada Miraale After Fierce Battle

 Puntland Declares Total Victory Over ISIS in Dooxada Miraale After Fierce Battle

Puntland’s regional security forces have officially declared the complete clearance of ISIS militants from the Dooxada Miraale area in Somalia’s Bari region. The announcement follows a prolonged and intense military operation on Friday, which lasted nearly 12 hours. According to a statement from Puntland authorities, this marks the most significant direct engagement between Puntland forces and ISIS since February. Though the operation was successful, the government confirmed that several of its soldiers were killed in action, with exact casualty figures expected to be released soon.

Security officials revealed that ISIS militants had heavily fortified their positions in the Calmiskaad mountains with machine guns and other advanced weaponry, making the battle particularly challenging. Despite this, Puntland forces were able to overrun enemy strongholds and regain control of the area. This successful offensive paves the way for the third phase of Puntland’s broader anti-terror campaign, which aims to fully eliminate ISIS presence from the mountain region and secure long-term stability.

ISIS-Somalia, designated as a terrorist organization by both the United States and the United Nations, has operated from remote locations in the Bari region since splitting from Al-Shabaab. The group is notorious for smuggling weapons, extorting civilians, and seeking to expand its control in northeastern Somalia. The latest victory by Puntland forces is a significant step in disrupting ISIS operations and restoring security to the region.