Dharjale, Puntland, Somalia – Somali security forces successfully repelled an attack by Islamic State (IS) militants in the Puntland region on Tuesday. The attack, which targeted a security forces camp in Dharjale village, began with a suicide bombing.
Puntland’s security operations spokesperson, Brigadier General Mohamud Mohamed Ahmed, confirmed the attack through an audio statement. He stated that Puntland forces were prepared for the attack, having tracked the militants’ movements beforehand.
Eight foreign militants were killed in the confrontation, while Puntland security forces sustained “limited casualties.” Residents also reported civilian casualties caused by shrapnel from the explosion. 
Gruesome photos circulating online, purportedly showing the remains of the militants, suggest the use of a powerful explosive device.
This attack comes amidst preparations for a major offensive against extremist groups in Puntland, announced earlier this month by regional leader Said Abdullahi Deni. Deni has offered amnesty to militants who renounce violence and abandon extremist groups.
U.S. military officials and Somali security experts have reported a significant increase in IS membership in Somalia this year. Estimates suggest a rise from 100-400 fighters to the current range of 500-600, with a majority of new recruits coming from the Middle East, eastern, and northern Africa.
IS in Somalia emerged in 2015 under the leadership of cleric Sheikh Abdulkadir Mumin, who pledged allegiance to the former IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Mumin reportedly survived a U.S. airstrike in May 2024.
Somalia continues to battle extremist groups, with Puntland taking a proactive stance against the growing threat of IS.
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