UN Assessment Finds ISIS Constrained in Puntland, With 150–250 Fighters Remaining

A United Nations assessment estimates that ISIS-Somalia retains 150–250 fighters, mainly in Puntland’s Cal Miskaad mountains, with counterterrorism operations restricting its operational capacity and territorial influence.

The findings appear in the UN sanctions Monitoring Team’s thirty-eighth report, dated 10 August 2026. They describe a weakened organization with a residual presence in Puntland, while warning that its leadership and support networks remain a threat. Member states assessed that leader Abdulqadir Mumin and his deputy, Abdirahman Faahiye, were still alive.

The report also identifies a vulnerability in sustaining battlefield gains. According to member-state reporting, a decline in the pace of security operations in January allowed militants temporarily to reoccupy previously cleared positions and attempt to rebuild local support networks.

Foreign fighter movements declined, and ISIS discouraged potential recruits from travelling to Puntland. Its finances were also constrained, leaving it unable to support other ISIS affiliates. Nevertheless, the group continued generating limited revenue by extorting businesses in Bosaso and Qandala. The Monitoring Team warned that recruitment routes could become active again if counterterrorism pressure weakened.

For Puntland, the strategic task is to make military gains durable. Holding cleared areas requires sustained patrols, reliable intelligence and protection for communities and businesses vulnerable to intimidation. Disrupting extortion and recruitment networks is essential to preventing surviving militants from financing another cycle of violence.

The assessment supports a measured conclusion: ISIS has lost operational space in Puntland, but its remaining leadership and networks require continued pressure. The next test is whether Puntland can deny the group the time, money and freedom of movement needed to rebuild.

Source: UN Monitoring Team, S/2026/651, 10 August 2026, page 10, paragraphs 41–44. https://docs.un.org/en/S/2026/651