At least 20 Puntland soldiers were killed and 30 others wounded in fierce clashes with ISIS-linked militants in the Baallade Valley of the Bari region, Somalia, officials reported today.
The violent confrontation erupted early Saturday morning, escalating into one of the deadliest encounters for Puntland forces in recent months. Local authorities confirmed that the militants launched a surprise attack on military positions, prompting a fierce battle that lasted several hours.
This incident adds to the ongoing security challenges faced by Puntland, a semi-autonomous region in northern Somalia, where militant groups have increasingly targeted government forces. The region has seen a resurgence of violence linked to ISIS and Al-Shabaab, both of which have exploited the political instability in the country.
The Puntland government has vowed to strengthen its military capabilities in response to the rising threat. As previously reported, similar situations have unfolded across the region, raising concerns over the effectiveness of counter-terrorism strategies. The international community continues to monitor developments closely, recognizing the implications for regional stability.
