Tuesday January 21, 2025
Garowe (HOL) – At least 13 Puntland soldiers were killed and over seven others injured in a landmine explosion in the Habley area of the Bari region on Monday.
The explosion struck an army vehicle transporting Puntland forces engaged in a counter-terrorism operation against ISIS militants in the region. According to Puntland military officials who spoke with Hiiraan Online, the attack was carried out by the ISIS group, using a roadside mine to target the convoy.
Some of the injured succumbed to their wounds, raising the death toll. The number of injuries is reported to be lower than the fatalities.
Just two days earlier, Puntland officials had visited Tasjiic to gather community support, including livestock donations, aimed at boosting the morale of security forces involved in operations against ISIS.
The attack highlights the escalating challenges faced by Puntland forces in their campaign to dismantle ISIS strongholds in the mountainous areas of Bari.
