By Asha Elmi

GAROWE, Somalia – Puntland authorities have announced that joint air and ground operations successfully seized control of Mirale Valley in the Almiskat Mountains, a key stronghold of ISIS militants.

According to a statement from Puntland’s Counter-Terrorism Forces on 31 May 2025, the operation followed a U.S. airstrike carried out by AFRICOM, a vital partner of Puntland, targeting ISIS fighters hiding south of the valley.

“The Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces have taken control of Mirale Valley in the Calmiskaad mountains in a coordinated air and ground operation,” the forces said in a statement.

The command confirmed that at least 15 ISIS militants were killed during the operation, with Puntland forces securing important locations including hideouts, water wells, and defensive positions.

Authorities also affirmed that security efforts in the region are ongoing and attributed the success to the effective combination of air and ground tactics against the group.

This operation forms part of the third phase of Puntland’s campaign against ISIS, with plans underway for a fourth phase aimed at completely removing the group from its mountainous strongholds in the region.