Abdul Qadir Mumin, believed to be the new leader of the Islamic State, is orchestrating a global network of fighters from the remote Cal Miskaad mountains in Somalia after years spent preaching extremism in Britain. Mumin has expanded his forces from a small group to around 1,200 fighters, transforming the Somali branch into a key operational and financial hub for the organisation. His network has reportedly funded major terror attacks and attracted militants from over 30 countries, capitalising on political instability in Africa.

Before returning to Somalia, Mumin spent a decade in British mosques, where he was involved in recruiting young Britons to join extremist groups. His charismatic leadership and experience have enabled him to elevate the Somali branch to prominence, despite ongoing efforts by local and international forces to dismantle his operations. Recent joint raids by American and Puntland forces have weakened his group, but Mumin remains at large, living a nomadic existence and continuing to evade capture.

The conflict has revealed the group's advanced weaponry and international reach, with militants and their families living in fortified cave networks equipped with modern technology. As the fight continues, local forces express determination to end Mumin's reign, describing the suffering and devastation brought by his ideology. Intelligence suggests that, despite heavy losses, the remaining fighters are entrenched in the mountains, relying on limited resources and facing increasing pressure from counter-terrorism operations.