Military base in Somalia attacked by ISIS

A major terrorist attack has targeted a military base near the town of Dharjaale in north-eastern Puntland. According to a statement by Captain Yusuf Mohamed, an officer in Puntland’s counter-terrorism unit, the terrorist force consisted of nine suicide bombers. The security forces killed all nine terrorists, but an unspecified number of soldiers were wounded in the attack. In a Telegram message, the regional branch of IS (Islamic State) claimed responsibility for the attack. According to the official statement released by IS, the attack was carried out by a total of 12 militants, with two explosive-laden vehicles also being used. The statement further reports that the attack resulted in the death of approximately 22 military personnel from the Puntland forces and injuries to numerous other individuals. IS has been present in the mountainous areas of Puntland for many years, but was considered a lesser threat than al-Shabaab, a terrorist group that controls large areas of southern Somalia. However, in recent years, thanks to an influx of foreign fighters and increased revenues from the extortion of local businesses, the IS regional branch has increased its presence and ability to carry out attacks.