US airstrikes reportedly hit Islamic State positions in Somalia’s Puntland
Overnight airstrikes hit suspected Islamic State positions in Qandala district in Puntland, northeastern Somalia, security sources told Shabelle. US forces reportedly carried out the strikes, but neither US Africa Command nor Puntland has confirmed them.
A series of overnight airstrikes hit suspected Islamic State positions in Puntland, in northeastern Somalia, Shabelle reported via AllAfrica on Tuesday. Security sources said the strikes struck the areas of Dabablayaal and Hal Baalade in Qandala district. Both areas lie east of Dhaadaar. They are close to positions held by Puntland's regional security forces around Togga Jaceel Sare, according to local security information. The number of casualties and the extent of the damage were not immediately known. US forces reportedly carried out the strikes to support operations against Islamic State fighters in the Cal Miskaad mountains. Puntland forces have waged a prolonged campaign against the group there. Neither US Africa Command nor Puntland authorities gave immediate official confirmation. Local sources said security information gathered over the past four weeks showed Islamic State operatives gathering in Hal Baalade and Dabablayaal. Among them were members involved in operations and in…
Read more 2 min read