(15 Mar 2025) GAROWE (Halqabsi News) – The Minister of Justice and Religious Affairs of Puntland, Mohamed Abdi Wahab, has stated in a Facebook post that the wives and children of ISIS fighters should not be targeted, emphasising that this stance aligns with Islamic principles. He reiterated that Puntland had previously made it clear that women and children affiliated with ISIS, who have committed no crimes, are free to surrender without fear of execution or mistreatment.
The minister underscored the need to safeguard the rights of vulnerable women and children, stressing: “Throughout the ongoing conflict, no violations or abuses have been committed against ISIS women, children, or prisoners. This is not an issue that warrants debate today.”
Furthermore, he called on Puntland’s citizens and Somalis at large not to use the fight against terrorism as a political tool or for factional gains.
“ISIS are foreign Khawarij who have invaded our country, shedding innocent blood, dishonouring our people, and plundering their wealth. They have desecrated places of worship and disrupted communities. Our faith commands us to defend ourselves and eliminate them—whether on the battlefield or wherever they take refuge. If an injured ISIS fighter or one who surrenders attempts to detonate himself and harm our forces, he will be neutralised without hesitation. Moreover, they can be brought before a court and sentenced to death, hanging, or any punishment befitting their crimes,” he asserted.
The minister also took a swipe at figures who had long remained silent on ISIS atrocities but are now speaking out, seemingly with political motives. His remarks come in the wake of heated debate sparked by a Puntland cleric who recently argued that captured ISIS fighters should not face execution.
Halqabsi News
