Somalia: deadly ISIS attack on Puntland military base kills dozens

A deadly assault by the Islamic State (ISIS) targeted a Puntland military base in Somalia’s Bari region, resulting in at least 100 fatalities among both the militants and soldiers.
The attack, which reportedly took place in the Togga Jacel area of the Cal Miskaad mountains in Puntland’s Bari region, saw ISIS militants using suicide car bombs and motorbikes to launch their assault on the base. At least 27 Puntland soldiers and more than 70 ISIS fighters were confirmed dead, though officials suggest the death toll could be higher, especially among the militants, who were hiding in caves during the attack.
The assault was the deadliest ISIS strike in Puntland since the region launched an offensive against the terrorist group in December. The attack led to intense fighting, but Puntland forces successfully repelled the assault and maintained control of the base. The offensive against ISIS has already claimed nearly 200 fighters’ lives, including foreign operatives. US airstrikes earlier this month targeted key ISIS operatives in the region, intensifying counterinsurgency efforts against the armed group.
Meanwhile, the Somali government has said it was ramping up efforts to curb terrorist financing. In recent days, officials have warned businesses against paying extortion fees to extremist groups like al-Shabaab. The government has shut down over 250 bank accounts linked to terrorism financing and is taking action against those found aiding these groups. Somali officials emphasize that targeting financial networks is key to weakening both ISIS and al-Shabaab’s operations.