By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Addis Ababa (Dawan Africa)-The President of Puntland State of Somalia, H.E. Said Abdullahi Deni, has paid a high-profile visit to Puntland security personnel receiving treatment in Addis Ababa after being seriously injured in ongoing military operations against ISIS in northeastern Somalia.
According to a statement from the Puntland Presidential Office, the injured soldiers belong to specialized units participating in Operation Hillaac, a counterterrorism campaign currently in its final phase as it pushes into the rugged Almiskaad Mountains. The campaign has reportedly made notable progress against ISIS insurgents entrenched in the region.
During his hospital visit, President Deni reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fully supporting the wounded servicemen, emphasizing that Puntland will spare no effort to ensure their complete recovery.
“These heroic soldiers are the pride of Puntland. Their sacrifices will not be forgotten, and we are obligated to stand by them until they return to health,” said President Deni, according to the official statement.
Due to the complexity of their injuries, the soldiers were airlifted to Ethiopia for advanced medical care unavailable in Somalia. The Puntland government has also announced arrangements to transfer the most critical cases to India for further treatment.
This visit comes amid a tense political climate, as Puntland recently suspended ties with the Federal Government of Somalia. President Deni’s engagement with Ethiopian authorities may further complicate intergovernmental relations, particularly as the state government continues to expand its independent diplomatic and security initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Puntland Presidential Office has indicated that Operation Hillaac will soon transition into Operation Onkod, a new phase aimed at targeting Al-Shabaab strongholds in the Calmadow mountain ranges.
