As per reports, the death toll from the clashes between Puntland Security Forces and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) militants in Somalia’s Bari region has increased, with reports confirming 18 Puntland soldiers being killed, as of Wednesday (01 January).
• The number of wounded Puntland soldiers has increased to 30. Puntland officials have also confirmed that eight ISIS fighters, including foreign combatants, were killed.
• In response to the attack, Puntland has launched a counter-offensive to clear out remaining ISIS elements in the region, with local sources indicating that several suspected ISIS hideouts were raided overnight, leading to the arrest of several individuals believed to be associated with the group.