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• January 1, 2025
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Islamic State Takes Credit for Assault on Puntland Military Base in Somalia

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…