Puntland Defense Forces uncovered critical evidence of Daesh recruitment during a recent raid on militant hideouts in the Cal Miskaat mountains of Somalia’s Bari region. Among the findings was a Saudi national’s passport, revealing a connection to foreign fighters entering the area.
In a documents circulating in social media confirmed by The Wall Africa Journal the passport belonged to 20-year-old Saudi citizen Alwahshaani Mohammed Ahmed. Travel documents recovered during the operation indicate he entered East Africa through Ethiopia’s Bolo International Airport on December 18, 2024. This arrival aligns closely with intensified Puntland military efforts against Daesh factions in the region. The passport, issued on November 16, 2024, offers compelling evidence of a recruitment pipeline funneling foreign fighters into Somalia.
The Cal Miskaat mountains, characterized by their rugged terrain, have long served as a stronghold for Daesh under the leadership of Sheikh Abdulqadir. Intelligence sources confirm the area attracts foreign recruits, further solidifying its role as a hub for militant activities.
Recent Attacks Highlight Growing Threat
This discovery follows a deadly December 31, 2024, suicide attack against Puntland forces in which militants from six countries, including another Saudi national, participated. The attack underscored the increasing presence of foreign fighters and their role in destabilizing the region.
International Collaboration Underway
A Puntland military official, speaking anonymously, revealed ongoing coordination with the Saudi Arabian embassy regarding the incident. “We are providing detailed information about Alwahshaani Mohammed Ahmed to Saudi authorities,” the official stated.
While the exact route Alwahshaani used to travel from Ethiopia into Puntland remains unclear, the findings spotlight challenges in border security and the movement of militants across the region. This evidence marks another step in Puntland’s broader efforts to dismantle Daesh operations in northeastern Somalia.