Suspected US strikes target IS in Somalia’s Puntland
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Shabelle Media Network
Strikes hit suspected Islamic State positions at Dabablayaal and Hal Baalade in Qandala district, Puntland. Attributed to US forces, they have not been officially confirmed by US Africa Command or local authorities, according to security sources cited by Shabelle Media.
Air strikes attributed to the United States overnight targeted suspected Islamic State positions in Qandala district, in the autonomous Somali region of Puntland. According to local security sources cited by Shabelle Media, the bombings hit the areas of Dabablayaal and Hal Baalade, near positions held by Puntland forces around Togga Jaceel Sare. No official confirmation has been given by US Africa Command (AFRICOM) or Puntland authorities, and the number of casualties is not known.
The strikes take place in the Cal Miskaad mountains, a stronghold of the Somali branch of the organisation, where Puntland forces are conducting a prolonged campaign with American air support. The group had attacked the Dasaan area on 27 September using explosive-laden drones.
