The Islamic State (IS) group has claimed responsibility for an attack on a military base in Somalia’s northeastern Puntland region, stating that it resulted in the deaths of 22 Puntland soldiers and injuries to dozens more.
The claim was made on Wednesday via the group’s Telegram channel.
According to IS, the assault involved 12 militants and two explosive-laden vehicles. However, Somali authorities have not yet commented on the claims.
On Tuesday, Puntland security forces reported repelling a suicide bombing attack by IS fighters near the town of Dharjaale in the Bari region.
Captain Yusuf Mohamed, an officer with Puntland’s counter-terrorism unit, confirmed that nine suicide bombers were killed during the confrontation, with several soldiers sustaining injuries.
IS officially established its Somali branch in 2017, operating primarily from Puntland’s mountainous regions. While historically viewed as a lesser threat compared to al-Shabaab, the group has recently expanded its influence, benefiting from foreign fighter recruitment and increased revenue from local business extortion.
Security analysts now warn that IS in Somalia has evolved into a critical operational hub for the group’s activities in Africa, with its leader, Abdulqadir Mumin, reportedly gaining significant prominence within the global IS network.
