By Jama Ayaanle Feyte
Bosaso-Puntland has deployed military experts to the front lines in the Al-Miskaat mountains in the Bari region as it prepares for the final phase of its operations against ISIS militants. Leading the efforts are General Mohamed Hirsi Morgan, a former high-ranking officer in the Somali National Army; General Bashir America, the former commander of the Somali National Police; and security specialist General Mohamed Jama (Indha-Yare).
The ongoing conflict has taken a heavy toll on Puntland forces. Among the casualties are General Mukhtaar Gaagale and Colonel Farhan Hareed, both of whom were killed in action. Other high-ranking officers, including General Fu’aad Xanaano and Brigadier General Abdirahman Mohamed Jama, the deputy commander of the Puntland Dervish Army, sustained injuries during the fighting.
The United States has strongly condemned last week’s ISIS attack on Puntland security forces in the Al-Miskaat mountains, where counterterrorism operations are ongoing. In a statement issued on Saturday, the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu expressed its condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers.
“We strongly condemn the ISIS terrorist attack against Puntland forces on February 11. We offer our sincerest condolences to the families of the brave Puntland Security Forces soldiers who lost their lives in the attack,” the embassy said in a social media post.
Jama Ayaanle Feyte , is a Veteran Journalist politician, and Horn of Africa political and security analyst
