To address the urgent issue of ISIS operatives escaping by sea from Puntland to Yemen, a multifaceted strategy combining immediate action, international collaboration, and long-term planning is essential. These include:
1. Immediate Maritime Interdiction
- International Naval Cooperation: Partner with naval forces in the region (e.g., EU NAVFOR Atalanta, Combined Maritime Forces) to establish patrols and blockades in the Gulf of Aden. Leverage existing counter-piracy frameworks like the Djibouti Code of Conduct.
- Surveillance Enhancement: Deploy drones, satellite imagery, and coastal radar systems to monitor suspicious vessels, focusing on small boats/dhows. Share real-time data with partners.
2. Intelligence Sharing & Verification
- Regional and Global Networks: Collaborate with INTERPOL, AFRICOM, and regional intelligence agencies (e.g., Yemen’s recognized government, UAE, Saudi Arabia) to verify and act on intelligence.
- Cybersecurity Measures: Monitor ISIS communication channels online, working with tech firms and agencies to disrupt escape coordination.
3. Diplomatic Mobilization
- UN Engagement: Seek a UN Security Council resolution for international mandates, sanctions, or asset freezes against ISIS affiliates.
- Bilateral Agreements: Negotiate with nations like the US, UAE, and Turkey for logistical support (e.g., naval assets, training).
4. Legal Preparedness
- Jurisdiction Clarity: Work with the UN and African Union to establish legal frameworks for arrests, ensuring adherence to international law.
- Extradition Treaties: Secure agreements with Yemen and neighboring states for prosecuting captured operatives.
5. Community & Local Engagement
- Coastal Community Involvement: Incentivize local fishermen to report suspicious activities via hotlines or rewards.
- Counter-Radicalization: Launch deradicalization programs and public awareness campaigns to reduce local support for ISIS.
6. Capacity Building
- Military Aid: Request international funding to upgrade Puntland’s naval capabilities (boats, communication tech) and train forces in counter-terrorism tactics.
- Border Security: Strengthen land and sea checkpoints with biometric systems and regional coordination (e.g., Somaliland, Somalia’s federal government).
7. Long-Term Regional Stability
- Root Cause Mitigation: Address governance gaps, economic deprivation, and unemployment through development aid and job creation.
- Regional Partnerships: Foster intelligence-sharing agreements with IGAD and the African Union to prevent cross-border regrouping.
Challenges & Mitigation
- Yemen’s Instability: Focus on engaging Yemeni coastal communities and factions willing to cooperate, avoiding entanglement in internal conflicts.
- Resource Limitations: Prioritize targeted international appeals (e.g., via the UN Trust Fund for Counter-Terrorism).
Conclusion
Puntland’s success hinges on swift, coordinated action with global partners, balanced with sustainable measures to weaken ISIS’s resurgence capacity. By integrating maritime security, intelligence, diplomacy, and community resilience, Puntland can disrupt this threat while fostering regional stability.
Warsame Policy & Media Network (WAPMEN) 