A high-ranking commander of Daesh’s Somalia faction was taken into custody on Monday as Somali security forces intensified their ongoing military campaign in Puntland’s Cal Miskaad mountains.
Authorities confirmed that Abdirahman Shirwac Aw-Saciid, known by the alias “Laahoor,” surrendered to security forces. He was responsible for overseeing targeted assassinations and extorting businesses for the group. Puntland’s Bari regional police chief, Abdikadir Jama Dirir, verified the arrest, describing it as a significant blow to Daesh’s operational structure in the area.
The capture follows a series of joint offensives by Somali and Puntland forces against Daesh and Alshabab militants in the northeastern region. In December, Puntland authorities launched a large-scale operation targeting militant strongholds, capturing several bases.
Meanwhile, U.S. airstrikes over the weekend hit Daesh positions in Puntland, reportedly killing multiple fighters. Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur commended the strikes, which targeted militant hideouts, including bunkers and caves. He reiterated that such actions are vital in dismantling militant networks operating in the region.
Daesh, which established a foothold in Somalia in 2015 after splitting from Alshabab, remains a security challenge despite its smaller size. Puntland’s mountainous terrain has long provided a refuge for militant groups, complicating counterterrorism efforts. Officials emphasized that continued military pressure is necessary to curb militant activities in the region.