(14 June 2025) GAROWE (Halqabsi News) – Security forces in Puntland State have captured a suspected foreign national believed to be an ISIS fighter, during a military operation in the remote Baallade valley.
Military officials reported that the individual, reportedly of Turkish origin, was arrested on Saturday while attempting to fetch water from a well. He was armed with an AK-47 and appeared disoriented at the time of capture.
The apprehension of a foreign ISIS fighter alive is a rare occurrence in Somalia, where most militants linked to the group are either local recruits or killed in combat.
A statement shared online by Puntland forces said the suspect spoke broken Somali and repeatedly pleaded “Ha idilinina” (“Don’t kill me”) during his arrest. Photographs circulating on social media show a light-skinned man with long hair, further fuelling speculation about his foreign origin.
Authorities say further details, including confirmation of his nationality and role within the group, will be released following interrogation.
Halqabsi News
