Puntland President Deni opens 57th Parliament session, declares victory over ISIS

Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni on Saturday opened the 57th session of the regional parliament with a speech addressing political, security and development issues.

In his speech, President Deni focused on the ongoing military operations against ISIS-affiliated militants entrenched in the Al-Miskaad mountains. He described the militants as “foreign extremists” who “have come from various countries,” estimating that their number exceeds 2,000.

A recent Sky News documentary featured evidence shown to the network by the Puntland government, including passports and documents recovered from foreign fighters killed during ongoing operations. According to government figures released at the time, nearly 700 foreign fighters had been killed in these clashes, with only five of the dead identified as Somali nationals.

President Deni declared that Puntland security forces had “achieved victory” and largely dismantled the extremist group, except for a few remaining cells “still hiding” in parts of the Al-Miskaad. He expressed gratitude to international partners supporting the counterterrorism campaign, singling out the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for their direct assistance.

Both AFRICOM and the UAE have recently intensified their air operations in Somalia, with AFRICOM alone conducting nearly 90 airstrikes this year targeting ISIS and Al-Shabaab militants.

Beyond addressing security issues, President Deni also discussed Puntland’s regional relations. In particular, he referred to the peace conference recently announced by Somaliland’s President, Abdirahman Cirro, in the Sanaag region. The initiative has been widely welcomed, as the area was heavily affected by the recent Las Anod conflict.

Somaliland and Puntland recently signed a security cooperation agreement and conducted a prisoner exchange, a move widely seen as a coordinated response to the newly established administration in Las Anod. The Northeast administration, which has received strong backing and secured recognition as a full federal member state, has been a major source of political contention since its formation. Somaliland views its establishment as an intervention in its territorial sovereignty, as it considers Las Anod part of its territory.

However, there were disagreements regarding the nature and intent of the agreement. Shortly after its announcement, Somaliland’s Defense Minister, Mohamed Yusuf, told BBC Somali that “Somaliland is built upon the borders established by the British,” adding that the cooperation with Puntland would help “clear out local and international enemies” from disputed territories.

In contrast, Puntland’s Interior Minister, Abdi Farah Juxa, denied that the Las Anod issue had been part of the talks. “We discussed combating terrorism, promoting peace in Ceerigaabo, and facilitating trade movement. The issue of Laascaanood was not part of our discussion,” Juxa stated. “We are fighting ISIS in Calmiskaad, while Al-Shabaab operates in Calmadow—and that is on the Somaliland side.”

In concluding his address, President Deni highlighted his administration’s broader achievements, including progress in livestock exports, institutional reforms, security development, and Puntland’s concerns on Somalia’s political future.