Somalia's Puntland State, US Expand Security Ties as Washington Plans Military Facility in Bosaso
Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has held talks with senior US military officials in Bosaso on counterterrorism, maritime security and plans to accelerate the development of a US military facility in the port city.
BOSASO, Somalia (Somali Report) — Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni met senior US military officials in the port city of Bosaso on Monday for talks on counterterrorism, maritime security and plans to expand the US military footprint in the region, Puntland's presidency said.
The delegation was led by Colonel James Rose, operations commander for US Special Operations Command Africa. Deni was joined by members of his cabinet, presidential advisers, senior officials and military commanders.
The meeting focused on strengthening security cooperation, particularly efforts against Islamic State militants and Al-Shabaab fighters operating in the Cal Miskaad and Calmadow mountain ranges in Puntland's Bari region.
The two sides also discussed accelerating the development of a US military facility in Bosaso, according to the Puntland presidency. The port city lies on the Gulf of Aden and is strategically located along major maritime routes linking the Red Sea, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.
Puntland authorities said the talks also covered efforts to combat piracy, improve maritime surveillance and protect commercial shipping along the region's coastline. They further discussed expanding training programmes for Puntland security forces.
Puntland forces have been carrying out sustained operations against Islamic State-Somalia in the Cal Miskaad mountains, where the group has maintained bases and camps. The United States has supported Somali counterterrorism efforts and conducted airstrikes against militant targets in Puntland.
The talks come as Washington deepens its military engagement in Somalia amid a wider campaign against Al-Shabaab and Islamic State. US forces have carried out airstrikes and provided training, intelligence and other support to Somali security forces.
Somali Report · Newsletter
Sign up to The Insider
Your morning briefing on Somalia's biggest stories — politics, security, business, and the people shaping the region's future.
The main US military installation in Somalia is at Baledogle airfield in Lower Shabelle, southwest of Mogadishu. The base serves as a key hub for US military operations and has supported training for Somalia's elite Danab special forces.
The reported discussions over a facility in Bosaso would potentially give the United States a strategic presence on Somalia's northern coast, closer to the Gulf of Aden and maritime routes leading to the Red Sea. Details about the proposed facility, including its size, purpose and timeline, were not publicly disclosed.
Puntland has maintained close security ties with Washington, particularly over counterterrorism operations against Islamic State-Somalia. The regional administration has also sought international assistance as it battles militant groups in remote mountainous areas.
The relationship exists against a backdrop of political tensions between Puntland and Somalia's federal government in Mogadishu. Puntland has frequently opposed federal government policies and disputes Mogadishu's handling of some national political and security matters.
Under Somalia's federal system, the central government has responsibility for national defence and foreign affairs, making any expansion of a foreign military presence a potentially sensitive issue.
For Washington, the strategic importance of Somalia extends beyond counterterrorism. The country's long coastline borders the Gulf of Aden, one of the world's busiest maritime corridors, where piracy, militant activity and regional conflicts have threatened commercial shipping.
The Bosaso talks therefore come at a time when security cooperation between Puntland and the United States is taking on a broader regional dimension, combining counterterrorism operations with maritime security and efforts to protect vital shipping routes.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.