Islamic State fighters attacked the home of a Puntland Darawiish commander near Qandala, firing weapons and throwing hand grenades while three children, their mother and grandmother were inside. No casualties were reported.
The attack took place in Kayaxa, near the village of Sheebaab in Qandala district, an area that has been the focus of Puntland military operations against Islamic State fighters in the Cal Miskaad mountains.
Three young children, their mother and grandmother were inside the house when the attackers struck, according to the officer, who is the father of the family.
No one inside the residence was killed or wounded in the assault, although the attack caused damage to property, the officer said.
The officer was identified as Siciid Ali Orshe, commander of the Daljir unit of the Puntland Darawiish forces. He said the attack would not force him to abandon the fight against Islamic State militants operating in the Cal Miskaad area.
Orshe said the attackers opened fire on the house and also used hand grenades during the assault.
Puntland security forces arrived at the scene after receiving reports of the attack, but the assailants had already fled, Orshe said.
The forces subsequently launched a search operation to track down those responsible for the attack. There was no immediate confirmation that any suspects had been arrested.
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The assault highlights the continuing security threat posed by Islamic State fighters in Puntland, despite sustained military pressure from regional forces.
Puntland has conducted a series of major offensives against the group in the rugged Cal Miskaad mountain range in Bari region, seeking to dismantle its bases and disrupt its operations.
The authorities have reported significant battlefield gains against Islamic State in recent operations, although militants have continued to carry out attacks and retain the ability to strike security personnel and other targets.
The group has established a foothold in the mountainous areas of Puntland over the past decade, and its fighters have periodically carried out attacks against security forces and officials.
Puntland authorities have intensified operations against the group with the support of international partners, including the United States, as part of wider efforts to prevent Islamic State from expanding its presence in the Horn of Africa.
The latest attack came as Puntland forces continue operations against Islamic State positions in the Cal Miskaad area. The authorities have not provided details on the size of the group involved in the attack or the direction in which the militants fled.
The absence of casualties among the family members was welcomed by local authorities, while the military search operation was continuing.
Puntland security officials have repeatedly warned that Islamic State militants remain capable of mounting surprise attacks despite the pressure exerted by ongoing military operations.
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.
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