GAROWE, SOMALIA – Puntland Defence Forces on Monday seized nine drones, including spy and explosive-laden devices prepared by ISIS militants to target troops. The operation, part of Operation Lightning, followed intense battles that reclaimed key militant strongholds previously used for launching attacks.

The Federal Ministry of Defence acknowledged the operation in a tweet Tuesday morning, stating: “Puntland Defence Forces have seized nine drones, including spy and explosive-laden drones prepared to target troops. The operation followed a battle with ISIS militants during Operation Lightning, which also reclaimed strategic areas used for launching attacks.”

However, Puntland authorities emphasized that the operation was conducted without any support or assistance from the Federal Government, reflecting ongoing tensions between regional and federal administrations in Somalia’s counter-terrorism strategy.

Photos from the scene revealed advanced militant technology, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and drones equipped with thermal cameras and reconnaissance systems, highlighting ISIS’s increasing use of sophisticated tools.

Puntland leaders celebrated the operation as a significant blow to ISIS’s operational capacity and reiterated their commitment to securing the region. They also urged greater collaboration with federal authorities to bolster Somalia’s collective security framework.

Despite the absence of federal backing, the operation underscores Puntland’s critical role in combating terrorism and its ability to counter advanced militant threats independently.