The Islamic State in Somalia is a branch of ISIS, based in Puntland. Originating from al-Shabaab in 2015, it leveraged local clan dynamics and smuggling networks for influence and income. Recent counter-offensives have weakened the group significantly, yet several hundred fighters remain active. Its global relevance and leadership claims are often debated due to its small size and limited territorial control.
The Islamic State in Somalia, an affiliate of the Islamic State (ISIS), is based in Puntland, a semi-autonomous region in northern Somalia. This group was notably the target of the first foreign combat operation of the Trump administration in February 2025. The organization has been connected to thwarted terror plots, such as those aimed at the Vatican and the Israeli embassy in Stockholm. Researcher Stig Jarle Hansen analyses its origins and recent setbacks in Puntland.
The establishment of the Islamic State in Somalia occurred in 2015, following the prominence of al-Shabaab in the region. This small terrorist group was initially connected to extensive smuggling networks and later split, birthing the future leader, Sheikh Abdulqader Muumin, from one faction. Clan dynamics in Somalia significantly influenced the group, allowing it to take advantage of connections to the Ali Suleiban sub-clan, pivotal in maritime piracy and smuggling.
Muumin resided in Sweden and subsequently moved to the United Kingdom before returning to Somalia. His rise to leadership in the Islamic State in Somalia commenced after he defected from al-Shabaab in 2015, bolstered by the support of his clan. The group’s visibility increased through jihadist propaganda, notably after the 2017 suicide bombing at the Juba Hotel, which also facilitated financial through extortion. By 2018, the Islamic State in Somalia was officially recognized as a full province by ISIS, overseeing operations in Central Africa and Mozambique, significantly increasing its financial inflow.
However, the Islamic State’s influence in Somalia may be overstated. Despite its attempts, the group has not successfully captured extensive territories, with estimates of its membership being considerably smaller than that of al-Shabaab. Additionally, connections to international terrorist plots remain tenuous at best. Muumin’s alleged global leadership of the Islamic State is questionable based on tribal affiliations and the overall strength of the Somali province.
Recent developments indicate that the Puntland authorities, supported by US and UAE air support, initiated successful counter-offensive operations against the Islamic State in January 2025. These actions led to notable casualties on the terrorist group’s side, reclaiming important territories and weakening morale among the fighters. Although the group has suffered losses, including retreats, its remnants remain active, and tactics of extortion could allow them to sustain operations moving forward.
The Islamic State in Somalia, while officially a province of ISIS, experiences limitations in its territorial control and operational capacity compared to its al-Shabaab counterpart. The recent military offensives by Puntland authorities have significantly disrupted its activities, and yet the group is not wholly defeated. Continued vigilance and strategic engagement are essential, as the terrain allows remnants to hide and regroup, indicating a potential for resurgence through extortion and recruitment.
Original Source: www.inkl.com
