Puntland authorities have clarified their policy on granting amnesty to surrendered ISIS fighters, including foreign nationals, amid an escalation in the region’s fight against the militant group. It comes as the semi-autonomous state intensifies operations to root out ISIS from its mountainous strongholds in northeastern Somalia.
Puntland Minister of Information Mahmoud Aydid Dirir clarified that amnesty remains available to fighters who surrender willingly, whether during combat or peacetime, aligning with Puntland’s commitment to the laws of war. “This amnesty reflects Puntland’s focus on reconciliation,” Dirir told the BBC Somali Service. “God accepts repentance, and so do we, provided it is sought before one’s life is endangered.”
The clarification follows reports suggesting that Puntland would exclude foreign ISIS members from amnesty. Dirir dismissed these claims as outdated, originating from remarks made during past troop awareness campaigns.
Puntland is collaborating with international organizations, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Red Crescent, to repatriate foreign fighters who surrender. Although specific details on nationalities and timelines remain undisclosed, Dirir emphasized the importance of returning these individuals to their home countries under coordinated legal frameworks.
“There are foreign fighters in custody, and mechanisms are being implemented to facilitate their return,” Dirir told BBC, stressing that Puntland applies its laws equally to local and foreign combatants.
The announcement comes in the wake of heightened ISIS activity in the Bari region, where militants recently launched a high-profile attack on December 31, 2024. A coordinated assault on a Puntland military base in Dharjaale involved 12 fighters and two explosive-laden vehicles. Puntland security forces repelled the attack, killing all the assailants, many of whom were foreign nationals.
ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack, alleging it killed 22 Puntland soldiers and injured dozens more. While Puntland dismissed these figures, the attack underscores the increasing audacity of ISIS operations in the region.
Since establishing a foothold in Puntland’s remote Al Miskaad Mountains in 2015, ISIS has become a persistent threat, using extortion and smuggling networks to fund its activities. Analysts warn that Puntland’s strategic location and vast, rugged terrain make it a critical battleground for transnational jihadist operations.
In response to the growing threat, Puntland has launched Operation Hillaac, a large-scale military campaign aimed at dismantling ISIS hideouts in the Al Miskaad Mountains. President Said Abdullahi Deni described the effort as a “fight for Puntland’s survival and stability.”
Deputy Speaker Mohamed Baari Shire, who narrowly survived the Dharjaale attack, has spearheaded efforts to mobilize clans in the Bari region to support counterterrorism operations. “The fight cannot be won by security forces alone,” Shire said, urging community leaders to unite against militant groups.
Despite these efforts, Puntland faces significant challenges, including intelligence gaps, limited resources, and strained relations with Somalia’s federal government. Experts have called for greater collaboration between Mogadishu and Puntland to counter the ISIS threat effectively.
