Puntland, Soomaaliya – Puntland security forces have announced the killing of over 60 ISIS fighters in a large-scale operation in the mountains of the Bari region, where the militants were reportedly hiding.

Puntland’s counterterrorism operations spokesman, Mahamoud Fadhigo, confirmed in a press briefing on Tuesday evening that security forces had carried out both airstrikes and ground assaults targeting ISIS hideouts in the region.

“The counterterrorism operation is ongoing, and in the latest battle in the Haraaryo area, between 60 to 65 ISIS militants were killed,” Fadhigo stated.

He extended condolences to the Puntland forces who lost their lives in the operation but did not disclose the number of casualties among government troops.

Additionally, Puntland security forces reported repelling an attack by ISIS militants on a military base in Bari region on Monday. The attackers included suicide bombers and vehicle-borne explosives attempting to breach the base.

Since late December, Puntland has been engaged in an intensified battle against ISIS, particularly in the Calmiskaad mountains, where clashes have been ongoing. Puntland had previously declared a military campaign to eliminate ISIS elements from its territories.

Furthermore, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) issued a statement on Tuesday confirming an airstrike against ISIS in the Bari region on February 1, 2025. Their preliminary assessment indicates that at least 14 ISIS militants were killed.

Among those killed was Ahmed Maeleninine, described as a key figure in ISIS operations, responsible for recruitment, financing, and planning attacks, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, according to AFRICOM.

“Degrading the capabilities of ISIS and terrorist groups that plan and conduct attacks threatening the U.S., its allies, and civilians remains a primary objective of AFRICOM,” the statement added.

ISIS gained international notoriety in the 2010s, particularly in Syria and Iraq, but its influence has since been mostly confined to parts of Africa, including Somalia.

In 2015, ISIS in Somalia split from al-Shabaab, which continues to control parts of southern Somalia.