Faith Nyasuguta
After losing its territorial caliphate in Iraq and Syria, the Islamic State (ISIS) has strategically repositioned itself by establishing a significant financial and operational hub in northern Somalia. This development has drawn international attention, especially as regional forces in Puntland intensify military operations to dismantle the group’s presence.
Emerging in 2015, the Somali branch of ISIS, known as Islamic State Somalia (ISS), initially operated with a limited footprint. Over time, it has evolved into a pivotal entity within the global jihadist landscape. U.S. Africa Command (Africom) and local officials estimate that ISS commands between 100 and 400 fighters, with about half being foreign militants. This influx has transformed ISS into a formidable force capable of orchestrating operations beyond Somalia’s borders.
ISS has become a crucial financial artery for ISIS’s global network. Since 2022, it has reportedly generated approximately $6 million, primarily through extortion and local taxation. These funds are laundered through Somali businesses, hawalas, banks, and mobile money transfers, highlighting the group’s sophisticated financial operations.
This financial clout enables ISS to support other ISIS affiliates across Africa and Asia, extending its influence and operational reach.
Puntland’s Military Response
In response to ISS’s growing threat, Puntland’s semi-autonomous regional forces launched a series of offensives targeting ISIS strongholds in the Cal Miskaad mountains. Beginning on February 4, Puntland forces engaged ISIS fighters who employed drones, suicide attacks, and infantry charges. Despite these tactics, Puntland forces successfully captured key positions, resulting in the deaths of at least 57 militants.
Subsequent operations led to the seizure of strategic areas, including the 40-kilometer-long Togjaceel Valley. These gains have disrupted ISIS’s operational capabilities and supply routes, compelling the militants to retreat and abandon established bases.
The United Arab Emirates is said to have provided air support, conducting airstrikes against militant positions, while the United States executed targeted strikes, notably killing a senior ISIS attack planner in the Golis Mountains.
In a recent operation, Puntland’s Counter-Terrorism Forces killed the head of ISIS’s drone operations, significantly impairing the group’s technological capabilities and reconnaissance strategies. However, challenges persist as Puntland forces navigate the rugged terrain, where militants can regroup and establish new safe havens. Intelligence assessments warn of a high likelihood of such attempts, necessitating sustained vigilance and continued military pressure.
Global Implications & Future Challenges
The establishment of an ISIS hub in Somalia carries broader implications for regional and global security. Somalia’s strategic location along the Indian Ocean and proximity to the Gulf of Aden provides ISIS with potential access to maritime routes, facilitating the movement of fighters and resources.
Additionally, the financial networks established by ISS in Somalia serve as a lifeline for other ISIS affiliates, enabling the funding of operations in regions such as Afghanistan and parts of Africa.
Despite recent military successes, the potential for ISIS to intensify asymmetric warfare, including guerrilla tactics and irregular campaigns, remains a significant concern. The group’s ability to adapt and evolve its strategies showcases the need for comprehensive counterterrorism approaches that combine military action with efforts to disrupt financial networks and ideological propagation.
As Puntland’s forces continue their pursuit, the outcome of these ongoing operations will likely shape the region’s security status for days to come.
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