Somalia’s Fight Against ISIL Gains Momentum
Security forces in Somalia have scored a significant victory in their ongoing battle against ISIL (ISIS), with the capture of a senior commander of the terrorist group. The commander, Abdirahman Shirwac Aw-Saciid, was arrested on Monday after surrendering in the Cal Miskaad mountains, located in the northeastern Puntland state. Aw-Saciid, who led ISIL’s assassination squad, had been a major target of the Somali government’s security forces for weeks, especially after a series of successful military offensives against the group.
The detention of this key figure comes just two days after the ISIL leadership in Somalia faced airstrikes conducted by the United States military. These air raids, aimed at dismantling the group’s ability to carry out operations, were part of a broader strategy to weaken ISIL’s presence in the Horn of Africa. The capture of Aw-Saciid signals a shift in the balance of power between Somali security forces and the growing influence of ISIL in the region.
In recent years, ISIL’s Somali branch has been steadily expanding its reach and operations, fueled by foreign fighters and improved funding methods. The group has adopted more sophisticated tactics, as seen in a deadly attack on a military base in December where they used booby-trapped vehicles. These developments suggest that ISIL is becoming a more significant threat in Somalia, where authorities have long focused on countering the al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabab.
ISIL’s Growing Threat in Somalia
While al-Shabab has long been considered the dominant threat in Somalia, the rise of ISIL has introduced a new challenge for the Somali government. The country’s northeastern Puntland region has witnessed an escalation in ISIL-related activities, prompting the Somali government to launch a major offensive targeting both ISIL and al-Shabab. The offensive, which began in December, has already resulted in a series of successful strikes against terrorist organizations.
The operation, led by Somali security forces and supported by international partners, aims to degrade ISIL’s capabilities and prevent further attacks. The US airstrikes, which targeted high-ranking members of the ISIL leadership, have also disrupted the group’s ability to plan and execute operations. According to US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the air raids killed many fighters and significantly weakened ISIL’s infrastructure in Somalia.
Despite these efforts, ISIL’s presence in the country continues to grow, with the group managing to recruit more foreign fighters and establish a stronger foothold in the region. Somali authorities are under pressure to regain control of areas that have been increasingly influenced by ISIL’s expanding network.
US Air Strikes Deal a Major Blow to ISIL Leadership
The recent US airstrikes in Somalia have been a crucial part of the international community’s efforts to curb ISIL’s influence in the region. On Saturday, the air raids targeted ISIL hideouts, including caves used by the group’s leaders to plan their operations. The strikes were aimed at eliminating key leaders of the terrorist organization, including Aw-Saciid, who was known by his alias “Laahoor.”
US President Donald Trump hailed the airstrikes as a success, emphasizing that they disrupted ISIL’s operations without causing harm to civilians. In a statement, Trump declared that the strikes had destroyed the caves where the terrorists were hiding and killed many of them. He also stressed that these actions were necessary to protect the United States and its allies from terrorist threats originating from Somalia.
The US government has long been involved in counterterrorism operations in Somalia, providing support to the Somali government in its battle against both ISIL and al-Shabab. However, the rising influence of ISIL in Somalia has prompted increased military activity and calls for more robust measures to combat the group’s growth.
The Role of Puntland in the Fight Against ISIL
Puntland, a semi-autonomous region in northeastern Somalia, has been at the forefront of the fight against ISIL. The region has seen increased clashes between Somali security forces and members of the terrorist group. The local government in Puntland has pledged to continue its efforts to root out ISIL operatives and prevent the group from establishing further strongholds in the area.
Abdikadir Jama Dirir, the head of police in Puntland’s Bari region, confirmed the capture of Aw-Saciid and emphasized the importance of neutralizing ISIL leaders to prevent future attacks. Aw-Saciid was not only a commander of the assassination squad but was also involved in extorting local businesses to fund the group’s activities. His capture represents a significant blow to the group’s operations in the region, although authorities acknowledge that much work remains to be done to eliminate the threat entirely.
Puntland’s offensive against both ISIL and al-Shabab has been marked by intense military engagement, with security forces facing constant challenges due to the difficult terrain and the well-organized nature of the terrorist groups. Nonetheless, the capture of Aw-Saciid provides a glimmer of hope for the government and its allies, as they work to restore stability in the region.
Somali Authorities Struggle to Regain Control
Somalia has faced decades of instability, following a civil war that began in the early 1990s. The collapse of the central government allowed various extremist groups, including al-Shabab and ISIL, to gain a foothold in the country. Despite years of efforts to rebuild the nation, Somalia’s government has struggled to exert control over large parts of the country, particularly in the south and central regions.
While ISIL’s Somalia wing remains a relatively small player compared to al-Shabab, its rapid growth has raised alarms both within the country and internationally. The influx of foreign fighters, combined with a steady flow of revenue from criminal activities, has allowed ISIL to expand its operations and challenge the Somali government’s authority in regions like Puntland.
Somali authorities are working with international partners, including the United States, to combat the rising tide of extremism in the country. However, the ongoing conflict with multiple terrorist groups, along with the challenges of rebuilding after decades of civil war, continues to hinder efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability.
