SUMMARY

The conflict between Puntland State of Somalia and Islamic State (IS) was primarily fought in the Bari region of northeastern Somalia, within Puntland state. The origins of Islamic State in Somalia dates back to 2015 when a faction of Al-Shabaab militants, led by Abdulqadir Mumin, broke away and formed Abnaa ul-Calipha, pledging allegiance to the Islamic State. Initially emerging in the mountainous areas of northern Puntland, particularly the Golis and Cal Miskaad ranges, the group gradually developed into the Somali branch of IS in 2017.

Since IS’s establishment in Puntland, regional security forces have consistently led military operations against the group, particularly in the Bari region where IS established strongholds in the Golis and Cal Miskaad mountain ranges. These rugged and remote areas served as critical safe havens, logistical corridors, and operational bases for IS militants, enabling the group to maintain insurgent infrastructure and evade sustained military pressure.

Although Puntland retained primary responsibility for counterinsurgency operations against IS within its territory, Puntland was classified as part of the Government of Somalia in UCDP data from 1 August 2012, when it formally joined Somalia’s federal structure under the Provisional Constitution, until 30 March 2024, when Puntland suspended recognition of and cooperation with the Federal Government of Somalia in response to contested constitutional amendments, disputes over federal governance, and concerns over increasing political centralization in Mogadishu. This political rupture reestablished Puntland as a separate non-state actor under UCDP definitions. From that point onward, direct confrontations between Puntland forces and IS were categorized as a non-state conflict.

The non-state conflict between Puntland State of Somalia and Islamic State is first included in UCDP data in 2024. In December that year, more than 25 people killed in clashes between the two groups near Boosaaso town in Bari region, Somalia.