Puntland orders pastoralists to vacate Calmiskaad mountains as anti-ISIS airstrikes escalate

Puntland authorities on Friday issued a 24-hour ultimatum for nomadic communities to vacate areas in the Calmiskaad mountain range, as intensified airstrikes and ground operations target ISIS-Somalia militants in the region.

In a statement released by the Office of Puntland Counterterrorism Operations, authorities warned that militants fleeing the ongoing offensives may attempt to blend in with civilian populations in remote pastoral areas.

“As the third phase of the operation nears its conclusion, with large-scale airstrikes and pursuit missions planned to wipe out the fleeing remnants, we hereby inform the pastoral communities living in the Calmiskaad mountain range to vacate areas near the operation zone and any potential escape routes within 24 hours,” the statement said.

Puntland security forces reiterated their commitment to eliminating the ISIS presence in the mountainous area and said they are closely monitoring militant movements. However, the statement did not provide any information on relocation support or alternative grazing routes for affected families.

Previous airstrikes in the region have raised concerns over civilian safety, with one such strike reportedly killing eight members of a pastoralist family.

Puntland’s campaign against the militant group has received support from the United Arab Emirates and the United States, both of which have conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia fighters in the area.

The latest warning has drawn criticism from observers who say the 24-hour notice is insufficient and lacks clarity on safe evacuation routes. Local communities fear that their safety and livelihoods are being sidelined amid the escalating military campaign.