Mogadishu, Somalia — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s pledge of full support for Puntland’s ongoing offensive against ISIS has sparked skepticism, with critics questioning the Somali federal government’s commitment to counterterrorism efforts.
The announcement, made on Thursday, follows weeks of intense fighting in the Almiskat Mountains, where Puntland’s forces have battled entrenched militants without assistance from Mogadishu.
The federal government’s late intervention has drawn criticism from Puntland officials and security analysts alike, who argue that the timing suggests a political calculation rather than a genuine effort to support the fight against ISIS.
Puntland’s President Said Abdullahi Deni, whose relations with Mohamud have been strained since Somalia’s 2022 elections, has openly questioned Mogadishu’s role.
“We’ve been fighting for weeks without any anyone else’s support— but only with help from friendly external nations,” Deni said on Thursday, underscoring Puntland’s independent efforts to reclaim territory from ISIS.
Meanwhile, the northern Somalia federal state’s offensive, which has seen significant gains against ISIS, has raised concerns over Somalia’s fragmented approach to counterterrorism.
Analysts argue that if the federal government had provided timely reinforcements, Puntland’s capabilities would have been significantly strengthened, potentially shortening the timeline for defeating the militants.
“The lack of federal support has broader implications,” said Abdi Hassan, a Nairobi-based political analyst. “Instead of presenting a unified front against terrorism, Somalia’s internal divisions are weakening the fight against ISIS.”
The tensions stem from longstanding political disputes between Puntland and the federal government, exacerbated by disagreements over resource-sharing, governance, and security coordination.
Once political allies, Deni and Mohamud’s fallout intensified after the 2022 elections, leading to a breakdown in cooperation between Mogadishu and the semi-autonomous Puntland region.
“The delayed response reflects the political friction between the two leaders,” Hassan added.
“This division is hurting Somalia’s ability to mount a cohesive counterterrorism strategy.”
Moreover, the impact of their widening rift, which became public in late 2022, has remained a significant concern for Somalia’s security landscape.
Puntland’s battle against ISIS is a critical front in Somalia’s fight against extremist groups.
While al-Shabab remains the dominant militant organization in the country, ISIS has carved out a foothold in the rugged terrain of the Bari region, launching sporadic but deadly attacks on security forces and civilians.
Security expert Farah Ali warned that ISIS’s resilience could prolong the conflict.
“Even with Puntland’s gains, the group retains the ability to regroup and launch new attacks,” he said.
“The federal government’s late declaration of support raises the question: Is this a genuine commitment or just a response to domestic and international pressure?”
Despite the federal government’s recent statements, Puntland’s leadership remains skeptical. Interior Minister Abdi Farah Juha dismissed Mogadishu’s support as irrelevant, stating, “too little, too late.”
Political observers argue that the situation presents a crucial test for Somalia’s counterterrorism strategy, as Puntland’s anti-ISIS military operation reaches a critical stage.
However, the situation in Puntland highlights broader concerns about Somalia’s national security framework.
Analysts argue that the country’s decentralized political structure, coupled with deep-seated rivalries, has hindered efforts to coordinate counterterrorism operations effectively.
“Somalia’s fight against ISIS and al-Shabab is not just a military challenge—it’s a political one,” said Hassan.
“Unless the federal government and regional administrations can bridge their differences, extremist groups will continue exploiting these divisions.”
In the meantime, Puntland’s ongoing “Lightning” offensive will serve as a test of Somalia’s ability to confront terrorism while navigating its political complexities.
Whether President Mohamud’s late support will translate into meaningful action remains to be seen. But for now, Puntland’s forces continue their fight—largely on their own.
