“85 Islamic State Fighters Killed in 2 Days” in Somalia Offensive, Puntland Army Seizes “50 Bases”

Forces from Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region have captured swathes of territory from Islamic State during a weeks-long offensive. The group hopes their campaign against the IS will draw increased international support, according to officials and Reuters reporters.The advances come against an IS faction that has gained in importance and was the target last week of US airstrikes. Puntland began a military offensive dubbed “Hilac Campaign” last month against IS in the region following months of preparations. Claims by Puntland commanders made regarding different battles indicate more than 150 Islamic State militants have been killed. n18oc_world n18oc_crux0:00 INTRODUCTION1:46 PUNTLAND OFFENSIVE DEALS BLOW TO ISLAMIC STATE IN SOMALIA4:55 THE EPICENTRE OF ISLAMIC STATE IN SOMALIA7:10 US STRIKES ON IS STRONGHOLD IN SOMALIA