Friday 14,Febr-2025 {HMC}  The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, His Excellency Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, embarked on a high-profile visit to Baku, Azerbaijan, where he toured key facilities in energy, defense, and public service development. The visit emphasizes Somalia’s commitment to enhancing foreign relations and learning from Azerbaijan’s expertise in critical sectors.

Energy Sector Collaboration
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud began his visit at the BP Sangachal Terminal, one of the world’s largest oil and natural gas processing centers. The facility, a cornerstone of Azerbaijan’s energy sector, plays a vital role in ensuring energy security for the region and global markets. During the tour, the Somali President received a detailed briefing from technical experts on the terminal’s operations and its contribution to the energy industry.

This visit holds particular significance for Somalia, as the two nations recently signed a cooperation agreement on oil and energy. President Mohamud highlighted the importance of the tour, stating that it provided a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange. Somalia is currently conducting oil exploration surveys, which are expected to be completed this year, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s energy sector development.

Strengthening Defense Ties
The Somali President also visited the Commando Unit of the Azerbaijan National Army, where he was warmly welcomed by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defense, Mr. Zakir Hasanov. During the visit, President Mohamud was shown advanced military equipment manufactured in Azerbaijan, reflecting the country’s growing capabilities in defense technology.

This engagement highlights the potential for collaboration in defense and security between the two nations, as Somalia continues to strengthen its national security infrastructure.

Modernizing Public Services
In a final stop, President Mohamud toured the ASAN Modern Services Center, a flagship initiative of the Azerbaijani government aimed at streamlining and modernizing public services. The center, known for its efficient e-governance model, has set a global benchmark for public service delivery.

The Somali President praised Azerbaijan’s achievements in this area, noting that Somalia could greatly benefit from adopting similar practices to enhance its own public service systems. “This visit has been an eye-opening experience, and Somalia can learn a lot from Azerbaijan’s success in modernizing public services,” President Mohamud remarked.

A Milestone in Somalia-Azerbaijan Relations
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Azerbaijan marks a major achievement in Somalia’s foreign relations, showcasing the country’s proactive approach to fostering international partnerships. By exploring collaboration in energy, defense, and public service modernization, Somalia is positioning itself to leverage global expertise to drive its development agenda.

The visit not only strengthens bilateral ties between Somalia and Azerbaijan but also highlights Somalia’s growing role on the international stage. This landmark engagement is expected to pave the way for deeper cooperation between the two nations, benefiting both Somalia and Azerbaijan in the years to come.

Friday 14,Febr-2025  {HMC} Puntland officials say ISIS militants are now confined to a 15-kilometre mountainous area as regional forces intensify efforts to eradicate the group from its last remaining stronghold.

Puntland’s Minister of Information, Mohamud Aydid Dirir, stated that the terror group, once entrenched across vast swathes of the Bari region, now clings to 40 square kilometres of dwindling territory as government troops expand military operations in the Al Miskaad region. He stated that once militants are flushed out from the rugged terrain, Puntland forces will move into open areas where military vehicles can be effectively deployed.

“We are closing in on their final hideouts, and soon, ISIS will be eradicated from this region,” Dirir said. He claimed Puntland forces have already achieved significant territorial gains, suggesting the operation is in its final phase.

Despite the offensive’s momentum, Dirir accused Somalia’s federal government of failing to provide weapons and ammunition to troops battling ISIS.

“The federal government has completely failed in its obligation to support this fight,” Dirir said. “It is unacceptable that resources meant for the national effort against terrorism remain centralized in Mogadishu while frontline troops lack critical supplies.”

Puntland has been leading military offensives against ISIS fighters for weeks, aiming to dismantle their last hideouts and deny them safe havens. Regional officials maintain that operations will continue until the group is fully neutralized.

Military officials stress that operations will continue until ISIS’s presence is completely wiped out from Puntland, a region that has remained largely autonomous amid Somalia’s ongoing instability.

Source Hiiraan online

Friday, 14-Feb-2025 {HMC} – The Conflict Between Puntland and ISIS: The ongoing conflict between the Puntland forces and the ISIS group in the Cal Miskaad mountain range of the Bari region has led to the displacement of 10,000 households from their homes.

The Puntland administration has accused the ISIS group of committing oppression and causing displacement, with the group engaging in activities that harm civilians living in those areas.

ISIS is a militant group that fights against the Somali government and the Puntland administration, contributing to destruction and instability in the region.

Displacement and the Situation of the People: Puntland has stated that the displaced individuals are currently residing in other peaceful areas under the Bari region, but their living conditions are extremely difficult.

The Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Relief and Disaster Management of Puntland, Ahmed Said Qolombi, reported that these displaced people lack sufficient food, though efforts are underway to assist them.

Additionally, health and clean water are among the urgent needs faced by these displaced people.

Accusations Against the Federal Government: There have been accusations directed at the Federal Government of Somalia regarding the conflict between Puntland and ISIS.

Some Puntland officials have accused the Federal Government of failing to provide adequate support to Puntland, particularly in the fight against ISIS.

They also claim that the Federal Government has not delivered sufficient aid, as the federal administration has not fully participated in Puntland’s relief and security efforts.

The Federal Government is also accused of not responding promptly to the security situation in the Bari region, which has been affected by the presence of extremist groups operating in the area.

This has led to a sense that Puntland is facing the crisis alone, without receiving adequate support from the Federal Government.

The Relationship Between Puntland and the Federal Government: Although Puntland and the Federal Government are both part of Somalia’s central government, there are disagreements and differences in how security and relief issues should be managed across the country.

Puntland, being the strongest regional authority in northern Somalia, has expressed concern that the Federal Government is not sufficiently supporting its efforts in fighting and preventing extremist groups.

Relief Efforts and Support for Puntland: Puntland is engaged in efforts to assist the displaced population, with confirmation that humanitarian organizations and international groups are contributing to the relief efforts.

However, the aid remains limited to the local and regional levels, and Puntland has called on the Federal Government to take a more active role in supporting the region and mitigating the crisis caused by the conflict and displacement.

Conclusion: The conflict between the Federal Government and the Puntland administration may affect the ongoing fight to eliminate ISIS, as genuine cooperation and full support are crucial for the success of the battle.

The Federal Government is urgently needed to support Puntland and participate in security, relief, and services needed by the displaced people.

The joint efforts of both parties are essential to successfully defeating ISIS and resolving the broader situation in the region.