The Bari region of Puntland, Somalia, has become a critical battleground in the fight against terrorism,
particularly due to the rise of the Islamic State in Somalia (ISIS-Somalia). Since 2015, ISIS has exploited weak governance, political instability, and socio-economic vulnerabilities to establish a stronghold in the resource-rich and strategically vital Cal Miskaad Mountains. The group’s presence has disrupted local economies, exacerbated humanitarian crises, and posed significant security threats. In response, the Puntland government launched Operation Hilaac in December 2024, a military campaign aimed at dismantling ISIS’s infrastructure and restoring stability. This report examines ISIS’s rise, the ongoing counterterrorism efforts, and the resulting humanitarian challenges while providing recommendations for long-term stability. Initiated by Puntland Development and Research Center (PDRC), the study aimed to analyze the factors enabling ISIS’s entrenchment in Puntland, evaluate the effectiveness of Operation Hilaac and its impact on security and communities, assess the humanitarian consequences of the conflict, and propose actionable recommendations to address security gaps, humanitarian needs, and post-liberation stabilization. The study mainly used qualitative data, particularly interviews and focus group discussions with government officials, military officers, local elders, business owners, displaced persons, and humanitarian workers. The geographical scope of the study included Cal-Miskaad Mountains, Bosaso, Qandala, Iskushuban, and other districts in the Bari region.
