EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Bari region of Puntland, Somalia, has become a critical battleground in the fight against terrorism,
particularly due to the rise of the Islamic State in Somalia (ISIS-Somalia). Since 2015, ISIS has exploited weak
governance, political instability, and socio-economic vulnerabilities to establish a stronghold in the resource-
rich and strategically vital Cal Miskaad Mountains. The group’s presence has disrupted local economies,
exacerbated humanitarian crises, and posed significant security threats. In response, the Puntland
government launched Operation Hilaac in December 2024, a military campaign aimed at dismantling ISIS’s
infrastructure and restoring stability. This report examines ISIS’s rise, the ongoing counterterrorism efforts,
and the resulting humanitarian challenges while providing recommendations for long-term stability. Initiated
by Puntland Development and Research Center (PDRC), the study aimed to: analyze the factors enabling
ISIS’s entrenchment in Puntland, evaluate the effectiveness of Operation Hilaac and its impact on security
and communities, assess the humanitarian consequences of the conflict, and propose actionable
recommendations to address security gaps, humanitarian needs, and post-liberation stabilization. The study
mainly used qualitative data particularly interviews and focus group discussions with government officials,
military officers, local elders, business owners, displaced persons, and humanitarian workers The
geographical scope of the study included Cal Miskaad Mountains, Bosaso, Qandala, Iskushuban, and other
districts in the Bari region.
The key findings were: a) ISIS’s Rise and Tactics which included exploiting governance gaps, clan tensions,
and economic hardship to establish control, heavy reliance on foreign fighters, coerced recruitment, and
extortion to sustain operations and engagement in violent competition with Al-Shabaab, culminating in ISIS’s
territorial dominance by 2023: b) Operation Hilaac: The study revealed that this entailed Phased military
campaign (Phases I–III) successfully reclaimed 95% of ISIS-held territories by March 2025, combined ground
assaults, airstrikes, and community mobilization, bolstered by local intelligence and diaspora support all of
which have led to heavy remaining challenges remain, including guerrilla tactics, landmines, and potential
ISIS regrouping. There is a serious humanitarian crisis where over 10,500 displaced persons face severe
shortages of shelter, healthcare, and food, 94% lack adequate shelter; 81% lack healthcare access; 69%
require urgent financial aid, Displaced pastoralists and urban migrants were found to be among the most
vulnerable. It was also noted that communities contributed livestock, humanitarian aid, and intelligence,
demonstrating strong backing for the operation. Lastly, the anti-foreigner sentiment emerged as an
unintended consequence, requiring government intervention to mitigate xenophobia.
Download the report below…..
ISIS-in-Puntland
