Monday June 16, 2025
Garowe (HOL) – Puntland regional authorities have confirmed
that the leader of the Islamic State in Somalia, Abdikadir Mumin, has escaped,
even as Puntland forces announced the capture of 98% of the Calmiskaat mountain
range, a key ISIS stronghold in the Bari region.
General Mohamud Ahmed Faadhigo, spokesperson for the ongoing
"Hillaac Operation," told local media on Monday that international
intelligence sources informed Puntland that Abdikadir Mumin had fled the
mountains. He did not disclose when or how the ISIS leader managed to escape
but stated definitively that Mumin is no longer in the area.
However, the group’s deputy leader and head of operations,
Abdirahman Fahiye Isse Mohamud, is reportedly still hiding in the mountains.
The Puntland forces are hopeful about his capture as operations continue.
On Sunday, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni announced
the completion of the third phase of the counter-ISIS campaign, marking a
significant blow to the group’s operational capacity in the region.
He also launched the fourth phase of the operation, which
will focus on clearing smaller pockets where remaining ISIS fighters are
believed to be hiding.
President Deni emphasized the scale and significance of the
operation, noting that Puntland forces fought ISIS militants from various
countries, including those from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. He said
the operation has neutralized a serious threat to both Puntland and Somalia at
large.