Joe Biden Robert Gates Leon Panetta Chuck Hagel Ash Carter Jim Mattis Mark Esper Lloyd Austin Abdul Qadir Mumin(leader of ISS) Abdirahman Shirwac Aw-Said [6] United States Army United Arab Emirates ~15,800 Operation Hilaac:150+ militants killed[9] The Islamic State's activities in Puntland began in the Galgala region, in late 2015, when Abdul Qadir Mumin, a former prominent ideologue of al-Shabab, defected after becoming disillusioned with the group.

[24] Despite this, the Islamic State continued to relatively operate normally and released two videos showcasing a series of assassinations and executions of both Puntland and al-Shabab fighters, as well as a battle.

[38] On December 7, 2016, Puntland forces successfully retook Qandala, with no resistance encountered as Islamic State had retreated to the mountainous areas south of the town.

[39] After retaking Qandala, Puntland forces continued their operations into the nearby mountains, where they attacked and destroyed an Islamic State base at El Ladid on December 18, 2016.

It provided them with a port for potential supply lines from Yemen and was a symbol of resistance due to historical significance in Somali culture.

[40] The conflict exacerbated humanitarian issues, with schools closed, and the local population facing increased hardships amidst an ongoing drought.

[37] On 26 June 2023, the Puntland Police Force arrested nine foreign individuals from Ethiopia, Sudan and Syria in Amaamo, Balidhidin of the Bari region and released their names.

The assault began with a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) targeting the supply camp, causing both casualties and material damage.

[45] Following the attack, multiple videos and images were released by reporters showing a collapsed building resulting from the SVBIED blasts, several burned-out vehicles, and the bodies of the Islamic State fighters.

[46] Puntland's claim of foiling the attack was questioned by some security analysts, as the role of an Inghimāsīy is to inflict as much damage as possible, expecting to be killed.

[50] On 8 January 2025, the Puntland armed forces greatly increased their fight against Islamic State militants in the Al Miskat mountain range, located in the Bari region.

[51] On 9 January 2025, Puntland forces carry out drone strikes on Islamic State targets in the Cal Miskaad mountains near Balidhidhin District of Bari, The counterterrorism claimed that they killed of several militants.

[52][53] After the aerial assaults, Puntland's counterterrorism forces captured four foreign Islamic State fighters from Ethiopia, Yemen, and Tanzania, while intercepting and destroying multiple explosive-carrying drones in Bari region.

[54][55] On January 20, 2025, At least twenty people were killed, and over 10 others injured in two days of Laba-Afle battle between Islamic State militia members and Puntland armed forces near the Cal Miskat mountains of Bari region.

[59] Ilyas further claimed that Puntland had received no share of international counterterrorism aid allocated to Somalia, despite its frontline role against ISIS.