Somalia Region Plans New Offensive Against Islamic State.

The semi-autonomous region of Puntland in Somalia is planning a new offensive against the growing Islamic State insurgency in the country's mountainous north. The US has designated the Islamist group as a terrorist organization, and it has more than doubled in size this year, with around 1,200 combatants in the Bari mountains. Puntland aims to dislodge Islamic State from its hideouts, led by Abdulkadir Mumin, who formed the offshoot nine years ago. The region generates funds through extortion and gold mining, contributing to the group's global financial and operational network. Cooperation between Puntland and Somalia's governments is hindered by their strained relationship, despite the need for a united front against Islamic State. [Extracted from the article]