Hunting Down the Islamic State: Soldiers Battle Extremism in Somalia

Mon Mar 16 2026 20:21:21 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

As Islamic State (IS) fighters infiltrate Somalia's remote mountains, Puntland's defense forces unite to combat the growing threat, engaging in an intense struggle for territorial control and safety.

In northern Somalia, the fight against Islamic State (IS) intensifies as Puntland's defense forces track militants using drones, aiming to reclaim territory once ruled by the extremist group. With significant support from U.S. military operations, local forces have degraded IS's ability to operate but face challenges as militants regroup. This ongoing battle highlights the struggles of local communities plagued by violence, loss, and fear in their daily lives.

In the rugged terrain of Somalia's al-Miskad mountains, soldiers monitor the movements of Islamic State (IS) fighters via drone technology. The Puntland Defence Forces have around 500 troops stationed in this remote area as they confront a resurgence of IS activity, which shifted its focus to Africa following losses in its Middle Eastern strongholds. Recent military efforts have involved U.S. airstrikes and local assaults that have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of IS fighters and several captured militants.

Community members share harrowing tales of terror experienced under IS rule, including forced disappearances and brutal enforcement of extremist ideologies. Meanwhile, soldiers like Muna Ali Dahir, who fight fiercely in defense of their homeland, face the dual challenges of warfare and maintaining a semblance of normalcy in the midst of conflict. The narrative emphasizes the resilience of both soldiers and civilians as they navigate this ongoing battle against extremism in their homeland.