MOGADISHU, Somalia — Puntland authorities have given Islamic State (ISIS) fighters 72 hours to surrender, warning of possible military action.
Officials said Puntland forces have surrounded the Baallade Valley, offering the militants a chance to surrender peacefully and avoid armed confrontation.
Those who comply will be returned to their families and home regions, according to authorities. Many of the fighters in the area are believed to be foreign nationals.
The Puntland government warned that those who refuse to surrender will face full military force, adding that escape is no longer possible.
Authorities described the deadline as a final opportunity, noting that most surrounding areas are already under government control.
Recent operations have destroyed ISIS training camps, killed foreign fighters, and reclaimed key areas previously used to plan attacks and store weapons.
Officials said the campaign aims to neutralize the threat while reducing casualties and protecting civilians by encouraging militants to lay down arms.
The ultimatum comes just hours after U.S. Africa Command said it had concluded a two-week operation targeting ISIS in northern Somalia.
In a tweet Tuesday, Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander of U.S. Africa Command, said the strikes focused on ISIS leadership hideouts in the Golis Mountains.
“These lethal strikes demonstrate our resolve to ensure Americans and our partners remain safe from the threat of global terrorism,” Anderson said.