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REPORTERS REPORTERS © FRANCE 24

24:25

Issued on: 10/04/2026 - 11:29

From the show

Reporters

Jihadists from the Islamic State (IS) group have made Somalia their new stronghold. In the Puntland region, they have settled largely undisturbed in a mountainous area spanning nearly 5,000 square kilometres. After their defeat in Iraq and Syria, the group shifted its focus to other continents, particularly Africa. From this refuge, its fighters organise and finance operations worldwide. Until December 2024, the IS group carried out attacks, seized villages, enslaved civilians and extorted local merchants. A report by Bastien Renouil, Will Swanson and ARTE.

The semi-autonomous Puntland government launched a major offensive to eliminate the group. Within months, its forces drove IS group fighters out of occupied villages, forcing them to take refuge in caves. Daily clashes continue, with casualties mounting on both sides.

Despite the ongoing violence, the army is making progress and hopes to defeat the IS group soon. The battle is crucial not only for Somalia’s stability but also for global security.