ISIS Claims Major Victory Over Puntland Forces in Northeast Somalia

On February 9, 2025, ISIS reported inflicting significant damage on Puntland Somalia forces, claiming the lives of dozens of elite officers and soldiers in northeast Somalia. According to their statement, the battles occurred five days ago in the morning in the Bari region when a large column of Puntland forces, supported by drones and artillery, advanced towards the Ja'el Valley near the village of Tarin. ISIS claimed to have used multiple IED (Improvised Explosive Device) attacks on patrols and counterattacks, which halted the advancing forces' progress.

ISIS asserted that they pursued the Puntland forces into a retreat to the mountains and managed to reach a command headquarters leading the campaign. Once there, they reportedly killed multiple commanders and officers, estimating around 70 military personnel, including prominent leaders of the military campaign. Additionally, they witnessed numerous helicopter evacuations and noted that ambulances and trucks were also used for evacuation. The number of injuries was so high that the Puntland government requested citizens to donate blood.

They acknowledged that many ISIS fighters were killed on the frontlines, in battles, during counterattacks, and from artillery strikes. They also mentioned that the military incursions against them were backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States of America (USA).