JidbaalePuntland regional authorities have prohibited media outlets from communicating with the Islamic State (ISIS) organization as part of continuing military operations aimed at ISIS strongholds in the Al-Miskat highlands of the Bari area.
Puntland’s Minister of Information, Mahmoud Aydiid Dirir, declared the embargo on Saturday, asserting that the action aims to enforce media adherence to official protocols and safeguard sensitive information during the attack.
Media outlets are prohibited under the ban:
Access to combat zones requires prior consent from Puntland authorities.
It is essential to depend only on official sources for information about military actions.
Travel to the frontlines is banned without authorization from the Ministry of Information.
Minister Dirir emphasized that the limits were essential to safeguard journalists and maintain operational security as Puntland troops continue in their endeavors to demolish ISIS strongholds.
ISIS in Somalia, founded in October 2015, was created by former al-Shabab militants under the leadership of Sheikh Abdulkadir Mumin, who declared allegiance to the deceased ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Notwithstanding intensified U.S. bombings, including one on May 31, 2024, Mumin is allegedly still alive and continues to be a key player in the group’s operations.
