MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – The Deputy Speaker of the Puntland Parliament Mohamed Shire Baari, narrowly survived an ISIS-led assault in Dharjale town, situated in Bari region in northeastern Somalia, on Tuesday. The attack, which involved both suicide car bombs and infantry forces, unfolded as the region braces for an imminent large-scale military offensive aimed at dismantling ISIS hideouts near the strategically significant coastal town of Bosaso, Caasimada Online news website reported.
Although the Deputy Speaker of the Puntland Parliament emerged unscathed from the attack, several casualties were reported among the troops under his command, who are stationed in Dharjale town to spearhead the anticipated offensive.
Regional authorities confirmed that the assault was successfully repelled, resulting in the death of up to 8 assailants, including individuals from various Arab and African nations. Authorities also released graphic footage, purportedly showing the lifeless bodies of several of the militants involved.
The attack is believed to have been an effort to disrupt the forthcoming military operation, which Puntland President Saeed Abdullahi Deni recently vowed to launch in a decisive campaign to eradicate ISIS from the northern semi-autonomous region of Somalia. The group has been steadily expanding its foothold in the region, intensifying its efforts to impose taxes in towns outside its direct control, including Bosaso.
The precise number of casualties resulting from the attack remains uncertain, and authorities have yet to provide a full and detailed account of the incident.
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