Amanze Chinonye
U.S. Special Operations Forces, in collaboration with the Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces (PCTF), have conducted a coordinated assault on ISIS-Somalia positions in the Baallade Valley, within the rugged Cal-Miskaad mountain range of northern Somalia.
According to officials, the high-intensity operation which involved both aerial and ground engagements targeted ISIS militants entrenched in the HabarBajuuke cave complex in Ballade Valley.
U.S. Africa Command confirmed that the mission was supported by 10 helicopters, which launched strikes on fortified caves believed to host senior ISIS figures.
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According to Prime Business Africa, Ground forces from both the U.S. and Puntland units subsequently landed in the area, engaging militants in hours of combat before securing key objectives. The raid reportedly resulted in the deaths of several ISIS-Somalia members, including senior leaders, while a number of militants were captured alive.
Puntland security officials said the operation was “carefully planned and executed,” describing it as part of an ongoing campaign to clear the Cal-Miskaad range of remaining terrorist elements. “In the Calmiskaad area, high-value ISIS targets were struck in a joint air and ground operation carried out by Puntland’s U.S. partners supporting the ongoing mission. Further details will be shared in due course,” the PCTF said in a statement.
While casualty figures have not been independently confirmed, preliminary reports suggest that a significant number of ISIS fighters were neutralised. The operation marks the first U.S. ground deployment inside Puntland, signaling a deepening of American involvement in Somalia’s counterterrorism operations, Prime Business Africa reports.
The Cal-Miskaad mountains have long served as the epicentre of ISIS activity in Puntland, providing refuge for both local and foreign fighters. Over the past year, dozens of militants have been killed, captured, or have surrendered as regional forces intensify their crackdown.
The raid follows U.S. President Trump’s February pledge to expand cooperation with Somali authorities against terrorist groups operating in the country’s northern regions. Washington maintains that Somalia remains a key partner in the global counterterrorism fight, with continued U.S. support aimed at dismantling ISIS-Somalia’s remaining strongholds.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
