By Sayyid Omar

US forces carried out airstrikes in the Cal Miskaad mountains of the Bari region, where clashes continue between Puntland forces and ISIS militants.

According to a statement released by Puntland-affiliated media, “The airstrikes targeted key ISIS terrorist strongholds, hitting locations where militants were stationed.”

The operation, focused on precision targeting, aimed at ISIS operatives, as confirmed by Puntland’s Counter-Terrorism Operation.

“At around 9:00 PM tonight, Puntland’s allies, the United States, conducted airstrikes on the Cal Miskaad mountains, directly targeting ISIS terrorists,” read the statement from Puntland authorities.

However, the US government has yet to release an official statement regarding the strikes. the US remains one of the key international partners supporting Puntland’s fight against ISIS in an effort to drive the group from the region. Earlier this month, the US reported a similar airstrike in Cal Miskaad that killed a senior foreign ISIS commander responsible for critical operations.

Puntland continues its fierce battle against ISIS in Somalia, with recent clashes resulting in significant militant casualties. Since late December, Puntland has intensified its offensive against ISIS, focusing heavily on the mountainous Cal Miskaad area, which remains a stronghold for the group.