Security forces in Somalia’s Puntland State have officially announced the capture of a Turkish national identified as Hassan Atar, who is alleged to be a member of the ISIS-affiliated militant group operating in the mountainous regions of Bari.
According to security officials, Hassan Atar was apprehended during a special military operation conducted in the Cal Miskaat mountain range, an area that has recently become a hideout for ISIS fighters. Authorities claim that Atar was among a group of foreign fighters reportedly involved in training, logistics, and external communications for the group.
The commander of Puntland’s regional security forces stated that the arrest of Hassan Atar represents a major breakthrough in the region’s ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
“This man was a foreign national, and we have verified documents confirming that he is originally from Turkey. He was actively involved in the operations of the terrorist group and is currently under intensive investigation by Puntland security agencies,” a senior officer told local media.
Officials further revealed that intelligence indicates the possible presence of other foreign fighters in the area, prompting a broader and intensified military operation aimed at flushing out remaining militants.
The capture of Hassan Atar comes at a time when Puntland has intensified its military campaigns against extremist groups like Al-Shabaab and ISIS, who have attempted to entrench themselves in the rugged terrain of northeastern Somalia.
The Puntland government has called on citizens to closely cooperate with security agencies and support the ongoing efforts to eradicate terrorism, promising that further details regarding the arrest will be made public once investigations are complete.
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