MOGADISHU, Somalia — Puntland defense forces have uncovered a large weapons cache belonging to ISIS militants during a raid in Baallade Valley.
The operation, conducted Wednesday, revealed weapons hidden underground in bunkers, which troops displayed publicly the following morning in a media briefing.
Military officials said the seized arms included assault rifles, shoulder-fired weapons, ammunition, and military supplies meant to support ISIS operations in the region.
Commanders leading the raid said the cache was located in rugged terrain often used by ISIS for concealment, movement, and logistical purposes.
The raid was part of Operation Al-Miskad, a counter-terror campaign by Puntland aimed at dismantling militant cells in hard-to-reach areas.
During the operation, troops engaged ISIS fighters guarding the cache as several militants were killed, according to commanders on the front lines.
Security officials described the find as a major blow to ISIS supply lines, disrupting future attacks and weakening the group’s regional infrastructure.
“This is a strategic success,” a senior officer said. “These weapons were intended for violence. Now, they are permanently out of enemy hands.”
The Baallade Valley, in northeastern Puntland, has long served as a hideout for the militants seeking cover in remote mountainous terrain.
Despite being smaller than al-Shabab, ISIS remains active in the Bari region, engaging in attacks and recruiting in isolated communities posing regional security challenges
Authorities confirmed more operations are planned to pursue remaining militants and prevent regrouping after this major disruption to their capabilities.
The U.S. and UAE supported Puntland forces with aerial operations, helping destroy ISIS bunkers and giving troops a strategic advantage during combat.
Earlier this week, the U.S. confirmed it completed a week-long air campaign targeting ISIS in Somalia, weakening fighters through multiple precision drone strikes.
Puntland forces are now pursuing remaining militants and have sealed roads leading to Bosaso to prevent any possible escape by the group.