In a major development in the fight against terrorism in East Africa, Puntland regional authorities have confirmed the escape of Abdikadir Mumin, the elusive ISIS leader.
This announcement comes as Puntland forces claim control over 98% of the Calmiskaad mountains range, a notorious ISIS stronghold in the Bari region.
ISIS Leader Abdikadir Mumin Escapes Calmiskaad Mountains
Speaking to local media, General Mohamud Ahmed Faadhigo, spokesperson for the ongoing anti-ISIS military campaign dubbed “Hillaac Operation,” revealed that international intelligence agencies have verified Mumin’s escape from the Calmiskaad mountains.
While exact details of his flight remain undisclosed, officials insist he is no longer present in the Calmiskaad area.
Senior ISIS Commander is Still Hiding.
Despite this setback, Abdirahman Fahiye Isse Mohamud, the group’s deputy leader and head of operations, is believed to be hiding among the remaining ISIS fighters.
Puntland military forces remain confident in their ability to apprehend him as they intensify their operations in the region.
Major Progress in Anti-Terror Campaign
On Sunday, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni declared the successful completion of the third phase of the counter-terror campaign.
Signaling a significant blow to ISIS’s presence and infrastructure in the region.
President Deni also announced the launch of phase four, which will focus on flushing out remaining fighters from isolated hideouts across Puntland.
He highlighted the multinational nature of the battle, noting that ISIS militants from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas had joined the conflict.
“This operation is a turning point.
We’ve dismantled a serious threat not only to Puntland but to Somalia as a whole,” President Deni stated.
ISIS Leader Escape Remains a Concern
The near-total capture of the Calmiskaad Mountains marks a pivotal victory for Puntland in its ongoing battle against terrorism.
Although the escape of ISIS leader Abdikadir Mumin remains a concern, the significant territorial gains—combined with the dismantling of a major extremist base—represent a serious blow to the Islamic State’s operations in Somalia.
Will This Security Last?
As the next phase of the Hillaac Operation unfolds, Puntland remains steadfast in its mission to eliminate the last remnants of ISIS militants hiding within the rugged terrain of the Calmiskaad range.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this momentum can translate into lasting security for the region and a final collapse of ISIS’s influence in northern Somalia.
