Top ISIS Financier Abdiweli Yusuf Captured in Joint U.S.-Somali Raid

U.S. forces successfully apprehended Abdiweli Mohamed Yusuf, the chief financial officer for ISIS-Somalia, in a ground operation conducted in Puntland state, Somalia, last Friday, as confirmed by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and local Somali officials.

A mission conducted on July 25 focused on members of ISIS-Somalia, executed through a collaborative effort between U.S. forces and Puntland’s Defense Force. While the official statement from AFRICOM did not provide details at first, authorities in Puntland took to social media to announce that Yusuf, also referred to as Abdiweli Walalac, was apprehended alive alongside two other militants.

Yusuf has been in charge of ISIS-Somalia’s financial operations since at least 2019, making significant contributions to its extortion activities throughout the region. In June 2023, the U.S. Treasury Department labeled him a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, highlighting his involvement in generating millions in illegal funds for the organization. The funds, obtained through intimidation and pressure from local enterprises, have supported ISIS activities in Somalia and other regions.

AFRICOM pointed out the importance of the capture. “We are actively collaborating with the Somali government to undermine and diminish ISIS-Somalia’s capacity to carry out attacks,” a spokesperson informed Task & Purpose, noting that further information will be provided as operational evaluations are finalized.

Puntland, located on the Horn of Africa and adjacent to the Gulf of Aden, has historically served as a stronghold for ISIS-Somalia fighters. The closeness to the Arabian Peninsula positions it as a crucial location for extremist groups aiming to connect networks across Africa and the Middle East.

On the same day, a separate U.S. operation in Syria resulted in the death of Dhiya’ Zawba Muslih al-Hardani, a high-ranking ISIS commander, coinciding with the capture of Yusuf. The coordinated strikes demonstrate the Pentagon's increasing attention on groups associated with the Islamic State this year.

Recently, there has been a notable resurgence in military operations, including several airstrikes and carrier-based missions, in Somalia and its neighboring areas, despite the Biden administration initially reducing some counterterrorism efforts early in its term.

U.S. military officials report that the operations are integral to a larger initiative aimed at bolstering Somali forces and severing connections to key leaders within ISIS’s global network.

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