In early 2025, the Puntland Defence Forces achieved a significant milestone by pushing the Islamic State (IS) out of Bosaso, a major port city in northeastern Somalia. This military victory marked a critical point in the ongoing struggle against IS, especially as the group had expanded its influence in the region after fighters were driven from strongholds in Syria and Iraq. Despite this success, pockets of IS militants remained in neighboring villages and the nearby al-Miskad mountains, indicating that the threat had not been completely eradicated. As of June 2025, the United Nations estimated that IS maintained a presence in Somalia with around 800 fighters, over half of whom were foreign nationals. The combination of local dynamics and the historical context of conflict with the militant group al-Shabab created a complex insurgency environment. Al-Shabab has been engaged in a longstanding battle against the Somali government and retains control over significant portions of southern Somalia. Experts like Tricia Bacon from the Policy Anti-Terrorism Hub have noted that while IS's operational capacity to conduct attacks within Somalia has been considerably diminished, the group is not entirely defunct. The societal impact of IS's presence was illustrated by local reports of strict regulations imposed on communities they controlled, which included prohibitions on men's clothing and gender mixing in public. The stories of individuals affected by IS's actions, such as the tragic case of Shukri, a girl kidnapped and killed while pregnant, reflect the harsh realities faced by civilians living under extremist rule. Current military operations and community resilience are pivotal to the broader strategy required to restore peace and stability in the region. The ongoing efforts by Puntland forces exemplify a commitment to combating the remnants of IS and fostering a return to normalcy in affected areas, affirming that the fight against extremism in Somalia is far from over, and vigilance remains critical in the face of evolving threats.