Puntland has historically shown strong defenses against insurgents, such as when its forces defeated an Al-Shabaab coastal attack in 2016, inflicting heavy casualties within a week.

[3] Puntland is mobilized ten thousand troops for a major operation targeting ISIS strongholds in the Cal Miskaad part of the Golis mountain ranges.

Since starting its full-scale "hilaac" (or "lightning") offensive in December 2024, Puntland claims its forces have captured 48 caves and Islamic State outposts, and have destroyed dozens of drones and explosive devices.

[10] President Said Abdullahi Deni played an active role in the preparation for the operation, meeting with security officials in Bossaso.

[10] Puntland deployed 500 elite soldiers from its defense forces and have graduated after months of intensive training, specifically for mountain and asymmetric warfare fully equipped with advanced technology to counter ISIS tactics, including anti-drone and IED jammers.

[15][16] On 2 February, Puntland military spokesperson claimed that U.S. airstrikes against ISIL had killed 46 fighters in the Cal Miskaad Mountains's remote area.

[18] On 10 February, Puntland forces announced that, over the past 24 hours, airstrikes targeting Islamic State hideouts had killed more than 13 foreign militants in the Dhasaq area of Bari Region.