Garowe (KAAB TV) – In a significant development in the fight against terrorism in Somalia, Puntland’s elite Dervish Forces have arrested a foreign ISIS fighter in the Toga Bala’ad area of the Bari region.
In a significant development in the fight against terrorism in Somalia, Puntland’s elite Dervish Forces have arrested a foreign ISIS fighter in the Toga Bala’ad area of the Bari region
The operation was part of the fourth phase of the ongoing military campaign known as Operation Hila’a, which targets Islamic State (ISIS/Daesh) militants entrenched in the rugged terrain of the Aal-Miskaad Mountains.
According to Puntland security officials, the arrested individual has been identified as Feyzul Hashim Suleyman, a Turkish national with known ties to Daesh.
His capture marks the second time in just two months that Puntland authorities have apprehended a Turkish citizen suspected of involvement with ISIS.
In June, Puntland security forces arrested Hassan Atar, another Turkish national linked to ISIS operations in the same Aal-Miskaad region.
Intelligence sources confirm that both men are believed to be part of a network of foreign fighters who sought refuge in Somalia after fleeing Turkey in the aftermath of the failed 2016 coup attempt.
Foreign Fighters With Military Backgrounds
General Ahmed Abdullahi Sheikh, a senior officer in the Puntland armed forces, revealed that many of the captured foreign fighters were once affiliated with the Turkish military.
“Our intelligence reports indicate that these individuals left Turkey following the 2016 failed coup and later joined ISIS in Syria. From there, they were transferred to Somalia, where they established a presence in the Cal-Miskaad mountains,” said General Ahmed.
He further noted that some of these fighters may have ties to international terrorist and trafficking networks, including potential links to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and other extremist organizations. Ongoing investigations aim to uncover the full extent of these connections.
Others Still at Large
Security authorities have disclosed the identities of two additional Turkish nationals believed to be hiding in the Aal-Miskaad region:
Emre Kemal Yilmaz
Aylin Derya Kaya
Efforts are currently underway to locate and apprehend these individuals, who are suspected of playing key roles in facilitating ISIS operations in Somalia.
Somali Fighter Also Captured
In the same operation, Puntland forces also captured a Somali militant affiliated with Daesh. The Somali fighter was reportedly involved in armed combat against Puntland troops in the Toga Bala’ad area on Monday.
Growing Threat of Foreign Fighters
Security experts warn that the increasing presence of foreign fighters in Somalia—particularly those with military training and battlefield experience from Syria—poses a significant threat to regional stability and global security.
“The arrest of foreign nationals linked to ISIS in Puntland is a stark reminder of Somalia’s role as a destination and operational base for transnational terrorist networks,” noted one regional counterterrorism analyst.
“This development underscores the urgent need for increased intelligence-sharing, international cooperation, and coordinated counterterrorism efforts.”
Operation Hila’a, launched by Puntland authorities earlier this year, continues to make strategic gains in clearing ISIS hideouts across the mountainous regions of northeastern Somalia.
The campaign is part of Puntland’s broader strategy to eliminate extremist threats and restore security across its territories.
