Tuesday January 28, 2025
Garowe (HOL) – Puntland authorities have warned that action will be taken against individuals found harming foreigners as the regional administration continues its crackdown on ISIS in the Bari region.
Speaking to reporters in Garowe on Monday, Puntland’s Minister of Information, Mahmoud Aydid Dirir, urged the public to support the government’s efforts against illegally present foreigners. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between citizens and security forces in maintaining stability.
The minister’s statement followed reports of Ethiopian nationals being targeted and harassed by angry residents in Garowe.
Puntland recently detained hundreds of illegal immigrants within its territory, citing concerns that some may join terrorist groups such as ISIS, which the government says threatens regional security.
U.S. military officials and Somali security experts reported that IS increased its membership numbers in Somalia last year. The group, previously estimated to have between 100 and 400 fighters, now has an estimated 500 to 600 members, according to Somali intelligence.
The group was previously estimated to have between 100 and 400 fighters, but Somali security and intelligence experts estimate their current numbers to be 500 to 600 militants. Most of the newcomers are said to be from the Middle East and eastern and northern Africa.
ISIS in Somalia was formed in October 2015 by former al-Shabab fighters led by Sheikh Abdulkadir Mumin, who pledged allegiance to the late ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Despite facing intensified U.S. airstrikes, including one on May 31, 2024, Mumin is reportedly still alive.
