The Islamic State group claimed responsibility on Wednesday for an attack on a military base in Somalia’s northeastern Puntland region that occurred a day earlier. The claim was made via the group’s Telegram channel.
According to the statement, the attack involved 12 militants and two explosives-laden vehicles, killing approximately 22 Puntland military personnel and injuring dozens. Somali authorities have not yet commented on the incident.
On Tuesday, Somali security forces reported repelling a suicide attack by Islamic State operatives on the Puntland military base, as confirmed by the state broadcaster and local military officials.
Captain Yusuf Mohamed, an officer with Puntland’s counter-terrorism forces, told Reuters that nine suicide bombers were killed during the assault, while several soldiers sustained injuries. The attack occurred near Dharjaale in the Bari region.
Islamic State formally established a presence in Somalia in 2017, operating primarily from the mountainous terrain of Puntland. Historically viewed as a lesser threat compared to al-Shabaab, which controls large areas in southern Somalia, the Islamic State group has expanded its influence in recent years.
Under the leadership of Abdulqadir Mumin, the group has reportedly gained prominence within the Islamic State’s global network. Security analysts attribute this growth to an influx of foreign fighters and increased revenue through the extortion of local businesses, elevating the group’s status as a key operational hub for IS activities in Africa.
