US Special Forces and Puntland Counterterrorism Forces conducted a pre-dawn assault on ISIS hideouts in the Balade Valley.
More than 100 US operators landed from MH-60 helicopters supported by MQ-9 Reaper, which had conducted preliminary strikes on the entrances to the caves, Open Source Intel reported.
The target was ISIS positions in the Bakue and Mareero areas of the Qal Miskaad ridge, where 10-15 militants were located.
A few days before the raid, the United States conducted a series of targeted air strikes, eliminating part of the group and weakening its defense.
Puntland forces additionally deployed about 200 troops to clear internal passages and shelters.
During the assault, there were close encounters, including with foreign fighters from Syria, Turkey and Ethiopia.
The battle lasted up to four hours. The US forces completed the operation without losses.
According to preliminary estimates, a high-ranking ISIS commander, several of his assistants, and a total of 5-10 terrorists were killed.
Weapons depots and equipment for illegal gold mining were destroyed. Operation Hilaaq secured Puntland’s control over most of the Cal Misaad Mountains.
The Somali army and peacekeepers recently recaptured a key city from Islamists.
