New reports indicate that Abdulqaadir Muumin, the newly appointed leader of ISIS in Somalia, remains at large in the rugged mountains of Cal Miskaad, despite ongoing intensive operations jointly conducted by Puntland security forces and U.S. special operations troops.
The cooperation between Puntland and the United States reached a peak on November 25, when over 200 U.S. special forces personnel carried out coordinated ground and aerial assaults targeting ISIS strongholds in the Baalade Valley. MQ-9 Reaper drones executed precision strikes against suspected hideouts of senior ISIS operatives. Preliminary reports suggest that the operation killed a senior ISIS official along with approximately 15 fighters from Syria, Turkey, and Ethiopia.
In addition to these strikes, Puntland forces destroyed significant weapon stockpiles and equipment used by the group to facilitate illegal gold mining, one of ISIS’s key sources of revenue. Officials said that while Muumin’s faction has been weakened, the leader continues to evade capture in the mountainous terrain, reportedly moving between caves and other hiding spots. Security sources estimate that nearly 200 ISIS fighters remain in the region, facing severe shortages of food and supplies. Reports indicate that the group is increasingly relying on foraging from the wild, highlighting the sharp decline in its operational capacity.
Abdulqaadir Muumin has long been associated with extremist activities. He previously operated in mosques in the United Kingdom, where he was accused of spreading radical ideologies before joining the Somali branch of ISIS.
Puntland authorities have vowed to continue operations against Muumin’s faction, emphasizing that the group will not be allowed safe haven. A senior officer from the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) described the ISIS fighters as being in a state of desperation, signaling that their capacity to launch effective attacks has been severely diminished.
The ongoing offensive demonstrates the increased coordination between local Somali forces and international partners, particularly the United States, in counterterrorism operations targeting extremist networks in the Horn of Africa. Analysts say that sustained military pressure on ISIS in Puntland may further weaken the group’s operational capabilities and limit its ability to recruit and train fighters.
Authorities have urged civilians to remain vigilant while security forces continue operations, stressing that ensuring the stability of the region remains a top priority.