Puntland authorities in Somalia have reported that among 53 individuals detained in recent counterterrorism operations, half of the Islamic State fighters were identified as Ethiopians.

The Puntland anti-terrorism campaign released the names and photographs of 26 fighters on social media, confirming their Ethiopian nationality.

The detainees were involved in a year-long conflict in the mountainous Al-Miskat area, where IS had established strongholds. Puntland security forces announced the results of their operations on Saturday, September 9, 2018.

The military campaign in Puntland is part of a broader operation supported by the United Arab Emirates and the United States, underscoring international collaboration in the region.