Somali security forces successfully repelled a large-scale suicide attack by Islamic State militants on a military base in the northeastern region of Puntland on Tuesday. The attack, which marks a new level of sophistication for the group in Somalia, was thwarted despite the presence of a high-profile official at the base at the time.
According to Captain Yusuf Mohamed, an officer in Puntland’s counter-terrorism forces, nine suicide bombers were involved in the attack near the town of Dharjaale in the Bari region. All nine were killed in the ensuing clash, while several soldiers sustained injuries. Puntland State TV, however, reported that eight suicide bombers were among those killed, indicating slight discrepancies in the initial accounts.
The attack occurred while the deputy speaker of Puntland’s parliament was visiting the base, underscoring the boldness of the assault. “This was a well-coordinated and sophisticated operation,” Captain Mohamed told Reuters. “It’s clear that Islamic State is trying to make a statement.”
Islamic State’s presence in Somalia has been relatively small compared to the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab, which controls large swathes of southern Somalia. However, the group has been steadily gaining strength in recent years, particularly in the mountainous regions of Puntland.
Officially recognized as the Somali province of Islamic State in 2017, the group has refashioned itself as a significant player in the global jihadist network. Its leader, Abdulqadir Mumin, has been described by some media outlets as a key figure in the group’s worldwide operations.
Security analysts attribute the group’s growth to an influx of foreign fighters and improved revenue streams, including the extortion of local businesses. “Islamic State in Somalia has become the nerve centre of the group’s operations in Africa,” said Jay Bahadur, co-director of Scopus, a regionally focused investigative consultancy.
The attack comes just weeks after Puntland announced a major offensive against Islamic State and al Shabaab. Analysts believe the assault was a preemptive strike aimed at disrupting the planned operation and demonstrating the group’s capabilities.
“This looks like a preemptive strike to send a message before Puntland’s upcoming offensive,” Bahadur said. “It’s a clear attempt to assert their presence and deter any action against them.”
Somalia has been grappling with Islamist insurgencies for over a decade, with al Shabaab remaining the most significant threat. However, the rise of Islamic State in the country adds a new layer of complexity to the security landscape.
The Somali government, with support from international partners, has been working to stabilize the country and counter extremist groups. However, the latest attack highlights the challenges ahead.
“This is a reminder that the threat is evolving,” said a security analyst based in Mogadishu. “Islamic State is no longer a minor player. They are becoming more organized and more dangerous.”
