Operation Hilaac
Puntland Launches “Operation Hilaac” to Drive Out ISIS from Northeastern Somalia
January 18, 2025 | Garowe, Puntland
By Mohamed Abdi, Founder and Researcher, Foxnile Consulting Group Inc.
The semi-autonomous Puntland State of Somalia has embarked on a decisive military campaign to eliminate the Islamic State (ISIS), locally known as Daacish, from its territory. The operation, code-named “Hilaac” — meaning “Lightning” in Somali — marks one of the most significant offensives against ISIS militants in the region in recent years.
Operation Hilaac: A Bold Counter-Terror Move
According to Mohamed Jama, Chief of Staff at the Puntland Presidency, President Said Abdullahi Deni authorized the launch of Operation Hilaac with the primary goal of dismantling ISIS strongholds in the Bari region.
“The President took this decision to flush out the terrorist group’s grip and restore full security across our region,” Jama confirmed in a phone interview.
Within just two weeks, Puntland’s forces have captured eight key ISIS hideouts in the rugged Bari mountains — a major blow to the extremist network that has long exploited the area’s terrain to operate with impunity.
The ISIS Threat in Puntland
For several years, ISIS militants have entrenched themselves in Puntland’s mountainous regions, using them as bases for extortion, targeted assassinations, and recruitment of youth. Their presence has not only destabilized Puntland but also threatened the broader Horn of Africa due to the area’s proximity to vital international shipping routes along the Gulf of Aden.
Security experts warn that ISIS’s foothold in Puntland poses both local and international security challenges, making the state a central focus of counterterrorism operations in East Africa.
Progress on the Ground
Under President Deni’s leadership, the Puntland Security Forces have shown exceptional capability and coordination. In less than two weeks, multiple ISIS camps have been dismantled and critical evidence recovered, including documents, communication devices, and explosives.
Figures obtained from the field depict the ongoing success of Operation Hilaac:
The campaign has received international backing from allies including the United States, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, providing vital intelligence and logistical support.
Recognition and Resilience
The achievements of Operation Hilaac have drawn praise both domestically and internationally. Puntland’s Minister of Information, Mohamud Aydid Dirir, lauded the bravery of the state’s forces and emphasized that these victories represent progress not just for Puntland, but for Somalia and the region at large.
“This is not only a victory for Puntland,” Dirir said. “It’s a victory for peace and stability across Somalia and East Africa.”
President Deni reaffirmed his government’s commitment to completely eradicating ISIS from Puntland.
“Our goal is clear — to rid our homeland of terror and guarantee lasting peace for our people and our neighbors,” he declared.
A Global Effort Against Extremism
The success of Operation Hilaac highlights the growing importance of global collaboration in combating extremist threats. Support from international partners signals a shared determination to help local governments like Puntland’s strengthen their capacity to confront terrorism.
Field images showcase the intensity and bravery of Puntland’s forces:
Despite challenges — including the risk of insurgents regrouping or changing tactics — the progress achieved so far offers a strong message: strategic leadership, unity, and international cooperation can defeat even the most entrenched extremist networks.
Conclusion
Puntland’s Operation Hilaac represents a turning point in Somalia’s fight against terrorism. With strong leadership, public support, and international partnerships, Puntland is demonstrating that determined local action can yield global impact. As the operation continues, the world watches closely — hopeful that this lightning strike against extremism will illuminate a new path toward peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.