At least five Puntland regional state soldiers lost their lives, and nearly 20 others sustained injuries on Tuesday after their armored vehicles struck roadside bombs in the Al-Miskaat mountains.
The incident occurred amid ongoing military operations in the area, where Puntland forces have been targeting Daesh-affiliated militants since last month.
In a separate development, Puntland troops successfully reclaimed control of Dharin, a strategic location in Togjacel that had been under Daesh control for years. During the offensive, several Daesh fighters were killed, while others managed to flee.
Puntland’s intensified military campaign, supported by U.S. airstrikes, aims to weaken Daesh’s influence in the region. On February 1, U.S. forces conducted airstrikes that eliminated high-ranking Daesh commanders, further aiding Puntland’s efforts on the ground.
The Al-Miskaat mountains remain a crucial base for Daesh, making this military operation a priority for Puntland as it seeks to enhance security and stability in the region.