Somali security forces successfully repelled an attack by Islamic State suicide bombers targeting a military base in Puntland on Tuesday, according to the state broadcaster and military officials.
The assault, described as the most significant and sophisticated attempted by Islamic State in Somalia, occurred weeks after Puntland launched a major offensive against the militant group and its rival, al Shabaab.
Captain Yusuf Mohamed, an officer in Puntland’s counter-terrorism forces, confirmed that nine suicide bombers were killed in the attack, and several soldiers sustained injuries. The assault took place near the town of Dharjaale in the Bari region while the deputy speaker of Puntland’s parliament was visiting the base. Puntland State TV reported on Facebook that eight suicide bombers were among those killed during the raid.
Islamic State’s Somali faction, officially recognized in 2017, operates primarily from the mountainous regions of Puntland. While historically considered a lesser threat compared to al Shabaab, the group has gained strength in recent years due to an influx of foreign fighters and increased revenue from extortion activities.
Security analysts have noted that the Somali Islamic State branch has become a vital part of the group’s global network. Abdulqadir Mumin, the group’s leader, has been described as a key figure in Islamic State’s operations in Africa.
“This appears to be a preemptive move by the Islamic State to demonstrate its capability and send a message ahead of Puntland’s planned offensive,” said Jay Bahadur, co-director of Scopus, a regional investigative consultancy.
The Somali government has yet to comment on the incident, but the thwarted attack underscores the escalating threat posed by Islamic State in the Horn of Africa.
