The Islamic State (IS) group has claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a military base in Somalia’s northeastern Puntland region. The assault, which occurred on Tuesday, involved a complex operation executed by 12 militants and two explosive-laden vehicles, according to a statement released on IS’s Telegram channel. The group alleged that the attack killed 22 Puntland military personnel and injured dozens more, though Somali authorities have not yet confirmed these figures.

The incident unfolded near Dharjaale, a town in the Bari region of Puntland. Somali state broadcaster and security officials reported that the attack was ultimately repelled by Puntland’s counter-terrorism forces. Captain Yusuf Mohamed, an officer in the counter-terrorism unit, told Reuters that nine suicide bombers were neutralized in the attack, while several Puntland soldiers sustained injuries.

This brazen assault highlights the growing boldness and operational capacity of Islamic State’s Somali affiliate, which has historically been overshadowed by the larger and more dominant militant group, al-Shabaab. Based in the rugged mountains of Puntland since its official recognition as an IS province in 2017, the group was initially considered a minor security threat in Somalia.

In recent years, however, IS in Somalia has significantly increased its influence, evolving into an integral part of the Islamic State’s global network. Security experts attribute this transformation to several factors, including an influx of foreign fighters and a sophisticated extortion scheme targeting local businesses. This financial boost has allowed the group to expand its operations, making it a “nerve center” for IS activities across Africa.

Abdulqadir Mumin, the group’s leader, has reportedly gained prominence within IS’s international hierarchy, with some media outlets describing him as one of the movement’s global leaders. This recognition has likely bolstered the Somali affiliate’s recruitment and fundraising efforts, further enhancing its capabilities.

Tuesday’s attack underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Somalia’s security forces in combating militant groups. Despite some successes in recent years, both IS and al-Shabaab continue to pose significant threats to stability in the Horn of Africa. Al-Shabaab, which controls vast areas of southern Somalia, has maintained its dominance, but IS’s growing presence in Puntland signals a concerning shift in the country’s security landscape.

Somalia has been plagued by decades of conflict, with militant groups exploiting weak governance and fragile institutions to establish footholds. The international community, including African Union forces, has provided support to Somalia in its fight against terrorism, but progress has been slow and inconsistent.

The latest attack is a reminder of the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of extremism in Somalia, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education. Without addressing these underlying issues, Somalia’s security forces will continue to face significant challenges in their efforts to counter the growing threats posed by IS and al-Shabaab.

The Puntland attack also raises concerns about IS’s ambitions in Africa. As the group loses territory and influence in the Middle East, its affiliates in Africa, including those in Somalia, Nigeria, and Mozambique, are increasingly taking center stage. This shift underscores the need for regional and global collaboration to combat the evolving threat of terrorism on the continent.

While Somali authorities have yet to release an official statement on Tuesday’s attack, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by militant groups in Somalia and the broader region.