Reports from the Bari region of Puntland state that ISIS fighters hiding in the Calmiskaad mountains have taken refuge with their wives and children in caves in a place called Maraagane in the middle of the Baallade River.
The spokesman for the Hillaac operation, Gen. Mohamed Ahmed Faadhigo, told local media that security forces are currently exploring a plan to eliminate the small ISIS group that has gathered there.
He said that careful measures are needed to separate the militants from the women and children they are with.
“Operation Hillaac is proceeding according to plan, and our aim is to eliminate ISIS forces hiding in the area, but we must consider how to protect their wives and children from harm,” said Gen. Faadhigo.
He said that this week was the heaviest battle against ISIS in recent times, in which he said the troops killed 20 ISIS fighters and destroyed places where they were storing weapons and supplies.
The spokesman for the operation said that there were still a few members who had gathered inside caves and mountainous areas that were difficult to access easily.
