A senior ISIS commander has surrendered to Puntland forces in northeastern Somalia, marking a significant blow to the terrorist group.
Abdirahman Shirwac Aw Siciid, also known as Lahoor, turned himself in to Somali forces in Puntland on Monday. According to sources, Lahoor was responsible for extorting the public on behalf of ISIS. He had previously been charged with murder and was awaiting execution before managing to escape and hide in the Calmis Mountains.
In an interview with Voice of America (VOA), Lahoor denied all allegations, insisting on his innocence.
Who Are ISIS, and How Are They Being Defeated in Somalia?
The Islamic State (ISIS), also known as Daesh, is a terrorist organization that emerged in Iraq and Syria in 2014. The group gained global notoriety for its brutal tactics, including mass executions, kidnappings, and attacks on civilians. While ISIS lost most of its territory in the Middle East, its influence spread to other regions, including Africa, where it established affiliates such as ISIS-Somalia.
In Somalia, ISIS has mainly operated in the northern Puntland region, engaging in extortion, assassinations, and attacks against security forces. However, the group has struggled to gain the same level of influence as Al-Shabaab, the dominant militant group in Somalia.
Efforts to defeat ISIS in Somalia have intensified in recent years. The Somali government, backed by Puntland forces, has launched military operations targeting the group. The United States has also carried out drone strikes against ISIS militants in the Calmis Mountains, dealing significant blows to their leadership and infrastructure. These coordinated efforts have weakened ISIS, forcing many of its fighters to either surrender or flee.
Civilians Caught in the Crossfire
Despite these successes, local residents remain fearful. The latest U.S. airstrikes in Puntland have raised concerns about potential civilian casualties. Travel between cities has been disrupted, with many avoiding roads out of fear of being caught in military operations.
Both ISIS and Al-Shabaab continue their efforts to destabilize Somalia, but ongoing counterterrorism operations have significantly weakened their influence. As defections and military defeats mount, the Somali government and its allies remain committed to eradicating terrorist groups from the country.
