MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Forces in Somalia’s semi-autonomous region of Puntland captured an ISIS fighter identified as Hassan Atar, a Turkish national, on Sunday, as authorities close in on the insurgents’ last hideouts.
The foreign militant was apprehended while attempting to collect water for his group from a well that had already been secured by Puntland forces. Unaware of the situation, he walked into a military-held area and was arrested.
The arrest comes as Puntland authorities near the final stages of Operation Hilaac (Lightning), a months-long offensive against ISIS militants in the region. Authorities have also announced Operation Onkod (Thunder), a forthcoming campaign targeting Al-Shabaab militants who have long held mountainous territories in Western Bari, as well as eastern and northern Sanaag region.
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