PUNTLAND FIGHTS ISIS ALONE

Puntland State is fiercely fighting terrorist ISIS alone without help from the Somali federal government. Puntland’s fight without the support of the federal government not only highlights Puntland’s self-reliant approach to national issues and self-development but also the federal leaders’ attitude towards Somali unity.

Shortly before the start of the Puntland War on terror, the Federal Government of Somalia had received two shipments of military weapons from Egypt. It would have been a patriotic and national obligation if a small portion of these weapons were allocated to support the ongoing Puntland State campaign against ISIS. The fact that the leader of Puntland State is not on good terms with the President of Somalia does not justify not standing by Puntland by all means necessary.

ISIS was not known in Puntland State before 2015. People say that whenever Somali leaders clash, they are exploited by external enemies. When Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gas of Puntland State fell out with the Somali  federal government, ISIS was planted in Somalia.

Now, with the rift between Puntland President Deni and Somali President Mohamud, ISIS has become a threat to national security by coming back alive. I have always believed that it wasn’t coincidental..

I have seen Puntland State sending troops to fight Al-Ashabab in Harardhere in Galmudugh State, but I have yet to see Mogadishu extending a helping hand to Puntland State troops fighting terrorism in that state.

Written by Ahmed Siad

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