The United States and Puntland have carried out a joint operation targeting an Al-Shabaab weapons and ammunition depot in Markad, in the Al-Madow-Golis mountains of northern Somalia.
GAROWE, Somalia (Somali Report) — The United States and Somalia’s Puntland authorities have carried out an operation targeting an Al-Shabaab weapons and ammunition storage facility in Markad, in the Al-Madow-Golis mountain range of northern Somalia, Puntland said Thursday.
The operation targeted a site that Puntland authorities said was being used by Al-Shabaab to store weapons and ammunition intended to support the group’s military operations and attacks in Somalia.
In a statement, the Puntland presidency said the operation was conducted in coordination with Puntland security agencies and described it as part of broader efforts to disrupt Al-Shabaab’s logistical infrastructure and weaken its ability to conduct attacks.
“The Puntland government and the United States government have confirmed the success of the counterterrorism operation” in the Al-Madow-Golis mountains, the statement said.
The authorities did not provide further details on when the operation took place or the specific aircraft or weapons used. They also did not disclose casualties or provide an independent assessment of the damage caused to the facility.
Puntland said the destruction of weapons storage sites was intended to disrupt Al-Shabaab’s supply network and reduce the group’s ability to plan and carry out attacks.
The operation comes as the United States has stepped up air operations against Al-Shabaab in Somalia. U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has announced several strikes against the group in southern Somalia this month, including an airstrike near Saacow on September 14. AFRICOM said the operation was conducted in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia.
The latest operation in Puntland differs geographically from those publicly announced AFRICOM strikes, with Puntland identifying Markad in the Al-Madow-Golis mountains as the target. Puntland and U.S. authorities have described the operation as coordinated security cooperation, although no separate AFRICOM statement confirming the Markad strike was immediately available.
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Puntland said it had previously held discussions with AFRICOM on strengthening cooperation against Al-Shabaab and Islamic State militants operating in the mountainous areas of Cal Madow and Cal Miskaad.
The Al-Madow mountain range, which stretches through parts of northern Somalia, has been an area of militant activity and military operations. Puntland has conducted separate campaigns against Islamic State militants in the wider mountainous region, while also seeking to prevent Al-Shabaab from establishing supply networks and secure operating areas.
Puntland and the United States said the latest operation formed part of longer-term efforts to weaken Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities and disrupt infrastructure supporting its activities.
The Puntland administration said targeting weapons depots was particularly important because such facilities provide armed groups with the supplies needed to sustain military operations and plan attacks.
Puntland and Washington have increased security cooperation in recent years as Somalia’s federal government and regional authorities seek greater support in combating militant groups.
The latest operation also highlights the expanding role of air power in Somalia’s counterinsurgency campaign, as U.S. forces continue to conduct strikes against Al-Shabaab targets in coordination with Somali authorities.
Neither Puntland nor the United States provided details on possible casualties among Al-Shabaab fighters or civilians following the Markad operation.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
