Latest military reports from Somalia indicate that forces from semi-autonomous state of Puntland launched an offensive operation to wipe out pro-ISIL militants from the strategic coastal town of Qandala in Bari region.
According to an official of Qandala administration, Sa’eed Waberi Mohamed, Puntland troops clashed with ISIL fighters in the outskirt of the coastal town abput 75 kilometers east of Bosaso.
Mohamed also noted that the forces advancing on the town from different directions and as they approached Karin, a small rural area, they encountered resistance from the militants.
At least seven ISIL fighters have been confirmed killed in heavy fighting between Puntland government forces and ISIL militants in Bashaashin area of Bari region
Reports from the area indicate that NATO warships patrolling the coast of Somalia are also involved in the battle, launching seaborne assaults against the ISIL militants that reportedly captured Qandala in October 2015.
