Puntland security forces on Monday captured a foreign militant belonging to the Islamic State (ISIS) during ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the Al Miskat mountain range.
The Puntland Counter-Terrorism Operations Command confirmed in a statement that the suspect was apprehended in near the coastal town of Qandala. The forces said at least two other fighters who were accompanying him managed to flee and are being pursued.
In a video released by the Puntland forces, the captured fighter claimed he was a Turkish national. However, this information could not be independently verified.
“The fugitives have been left with no options but to be killed, surrender, or be hunted down,” Puntland Counter-Terrorism Operations said in a social media post.
For nearly a year, Puntland forces have waged a sustained campaign against ISIS militants entrenched in the Bari mountains, reporting significant gains despite the group’s attempts to maintain its foothold in remote areas.
