Security officials in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland state have announced the arrest of a Turkish national believed to be a member of the Islamic State (ISIS) militant group.

The suspect was apprehended during an ongoing counter-terrorism operation in the remote and rugged Cal Miskaat mountain range, a known hideout for ISIS-affiliated fighters.

According to state-owned Puntland TV, the man was found carrying an AK-47 rifle and was collecting water from a well when security forces spotted and detained him without incident on Saturday..

The identity of the suspect who is currently under interrogation has not yet been released.

“This individual is believed to be part of the ISIS group operating in the mountains of Bari region,” a senior Puntland security official told the state-owned television.

“He was captured during our sweeping operations aimed at dismantling terrorist hideouts and flushing out foreign fighters who pose a serious threat to our stability.”

The Cal Miskaat mountains, located in the northeastern part of Puntland, have long been used as a base by militants loyal to ISIS, which has established a foothold in Somalia in recent years.

The group, though smaller than the Al-Shabaab insurgency, has been responsible for deadly attacks and assassinations in the region, particularly targeting security personnel and government officials.

Officials say the presence of foreign fighters, including nationals from Turkey and other countries, underscores the transnational nature of ISIS recruitment and operations.

Puntland security forces, supported by local intelligence units, have intensified operations in the area over the past months. It said the offensive will continue until all militant strongholds are neutralized.