Heavy fighting between Puntland forces and ISIS took place yesterday in the Calmiskaad mountains of Bari region, killing at least 15 Puntland soldiers, according to security sources.
The fighting took place between Togga Miiraale and Xabley, where Puntland forces attacked ISIS bases there. Reports say that Puntland forces killed ISIS fighters, and the group withdrew from two positions they were in.
It is also reported that some Puntland soldiers died from suspected poisoned water and went to areas captured by ISIS.
These reports cannot be independently verified, but sources who spoke to HOL said so.
The fighting comes at a time when ISIS, which is still hiding in the Calmiskaad mountains, has launched new attacks on rural residents.
The group is kidnapping and robbing pastoralists, taking their livestock by force, while slaughtering or driving away those who oppose them.
One of the most recent incidents occurred in the Unun area of Qandala district, where ISIS fighters kidnapped a man named Ahmed Ibrahim Adan, according to local residents.
It has not yet been confirmed that Ahmed Ibrahim Adan is dead, but his family and local residents are still searching for him or confirming his death.
