Skip to main content

President Deni Declares Final Offensive in War Against ISIS in Puntland

 

Puntland war on ISIS in Somalia
41
SHARES
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

By: Jama

Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has announced the beginning of the third and final phase of the Hilac Campaign, aimed at eliminating the last remaining pockets of the Islamic State in Somalia (IS-Somalia aka ISIS) resistance in the region. The announcement, which came in a televised address to the nation yesterday, marks a critical turning point in the campaign and underscores the government’s determination to root out the extremist group and restore peace and stability to the region.

According to President Deni, the third phase of the Hilac Campaign will focus on mopping up operations in the most remote and inaccessible areas of the mountains, where ISIS fighters are believed to be hiding out and regrouping.  Puntland forces have had to rely on air support and ground troops to navigate the rugged terrain and locate enemy positions.

Despite these challenges, however, President Deni expressed confidence that the Puntland forces, with the support of their international partners, would be able to complete the mission and eliminate the last remaining ISIS fighters in the region. He praised the bravery and dedication of the troops on the front lines, who have been fighting in some of the most difficult and dangerous conditions imaginable, and called on the Puntland people to continue to support and pray for their success.

The Amnesty Offer

In addition to announcing the launch of the third phase of the Hilac Campaign, President Deni also made a significant gesture of reconciliation and forgiveness, offering amnesty to anyone who had collaborated with or supported ISIS in the past, on the condition that they surrender and ask for a pardon within the next seven days.

The amnesty offer, which is limited in scope and time, is intended to encourage ISIS collaborators and sympathizers to come forward and renounce their support for the group, without fear of prosecution or retaliation. President Deni emphasized that the offer was a one-time opportunity for those who had been misled or coerced into supporting ISIS to turn their backs on the group and start a new life as law-abiding citizens of Puntland.

The offer of amnesty is a significant departure from the government’s previous approach to dealing with ISIS collaborators, which has largely focused on punishment and retribution. It reflects a growing recognition among Puntland leaders that a more nuanced and compassionate approach is needed to address the root causes of extremism and violence in the region, and to promote reconciliation and healing among communities that have been torn apart by conflict.

At the same time, however, President Deni made it clear that the amnesty offer was not a sign of weakness or a lack of resolve on the part of the government. He warned that anyone who failed to take advantage of the offer within the seven-day window would face the full force of the law, and would be treated as an enemy combatant by Puntland forces.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

At Risk for Doing Good: The Story of Abdishakour Gulled in Conflict-Affected Somalia

By: Daud  I In regions destabilized by terrorism and entrenched clan rivalries, humanitarian work is fraught with serious risks. Aid workers, healthcare providers, and even business professionals often operate under constant threat. Deep-rooted social and political tensions not only hinder humanitarian access but also endanger the very individuals committed to creating positive change. GAROWE, Somalia — Abdishakour Gulled, a respected humanitarian worker and public health advocate affiliated with a major international NGO, has gone into hiding after surviving two assassination attempts linked to escalating clan-based violence in Puntland. Gulled, well-known throughout the region for his dedication to improving public health outcomes, has become a target solely due to his clan affiliation — a grim reflection of Somalia’s ongoing struggle with entrenched clan rivalries that frequently result in collective punishment and cyclical violence. According to local sources, two busin...
Post a Comment
Read more

GAROWE, Somalia — Recurrent clan retaliation has led to the killing and targeting of innocent civilians.

  By: Daud 18 May 2025 A fresh wave of clan-related violence has gripped Garowe, the capital of Somalia’s Nugaal region, leaving three people dead and intensifying concerns over the city’s deteriorating security. At approximately 2:00 AM on Sunday, two young men — including a hotel security guard were shot and killed in what local sources describe as a targeted act of clan retaliation. Both victims were reportedly members of Garowe’s growing professional community, the preparatory escaped from the scene. Later the same day, at around 8:00 PM, unknown assailants attacked the home of a local humanitarian worker in Israac village. Although the aid worker escaped unharmed, a relative present at the scene was fatally shot during the assault. Authorities have not officially linked the two incidents, but residents fear both may be rooted in ongoing inter-clan tensions. Security agencies have yet to release a formal statement. However, local officials confirm that investigations ar...
Post a Comment
Read more

Health workers killed for clan revenge in Galkayo

   By: Daud  Doctors Killed in Galkayo in September 2023 & September 2025 Overview Galkayo, a city in the Mudug region of Somalia divided administratively between Puntland (north) and Galmudug (south), has seen recurring violence tied to inter-clan (tribal) conflict. Among the more troubling incidents are the targeted killings of health workers—specifically, two medical doctors—in September 2023 and September 2025. These incidents have raised serious concerns about security, justice, and the ability of health systems in conflict-affected zones to function safely. Incident 1: Dr. Sakariye Abdi Jama — September 2023 Date & Place: Around 10 September 2023, in Galkayo town (northern side) in a health centre.  allAfrica.com +4 hiiraan.com +4 sooha.org +4 Victim: Dr. Sakariye Abdi Jama, a young and prominent doctor. Circumstances: An armed man wearing a security uniform, along with two unarmed individuals, entered the health centre. The attacker ope...
Post a Comment
Read more