The United States is reportedly expanding its military presence in Somalia’s Puntland as US drones conduct operations against ISIS in the Cal-Miskaad mountains and plans advance for a new facility in Bosaso.
BOSASO, Somalia (Somali Report) — The United States is reportedly increasing its air operations and military presence in Somalia's Puntland, with US drones conducting reconnaissance missions over the Cal-Miskaad mountains in Bari region on September 3, according to Puntland security officials.
The officials said the US drones carried out surveillance operations over the Togga Miraale and Togga Baalade areas, which are considered strongholds for Islamic State fighters operating in the mountainous region.
The officials told Drop Site that US aircraft spotted suspected Islamic State militants travelling with a donkey cart inside Togga Baalade before carrying out strikes in the surrounding area at around 8:30 pm.
The reported operations come as Washington is preparing to expand a new military facility in the port city of Bosaso, according to Puntland security officials.
Plans for the facility were announced after a meeting in Bosaso on August 2 between Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and a delegation led by Major General Claude Tudor, commander of US Africa Command's special operations.
A statement from Puntland said the United States would expand its presence in Bosaso to strengthen efforts against armed groups and improve maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
However, five Puntland security officials told Drop Site that the agreement was broader than described in the official statement and that the planned facility would allow US forces to operate directly from Bosaso.
According to the officials, the United States currently maintains an office in Bosaso used by AFRICOM and the CIA. The facility serves as a link between Puntland forces and the AFRICOM headquarters in Djibouti when air support is required.
Once the new facility is completed, the officials said US aircraft would be able to conduct air strikes and reconnaissance missions directly from Bosaso.
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The Cal-Miskaad mountains have been the scene of fighting for nearly two years between Puntland forces, backed by the United States, and Islamic State militants.
Washington has stepped up air strikes and other military operations in Somalia in recent months as Islamic State fighters continue to maintain positions and hideouts in parts of the mountainous region.
According to data from New America cited in the report, the United States has carried out 205 air strikes in Somalia since President Donald Trump began his second term, with 53 percent of those strikes targeting Islamic State positions.
The report also said Washington was planning to establish a new locally recruited force in Puntland to fight militant groups.
Puntland officials said the United States would fund the salaries, equipment and training of the force, although its size has not yet been determined.
The planned expansion of the US military presence in Bosaso has also raised questions over Puntland's authority to enter into military agreements with foreign governments.
Somalia's federal constitution, as cited in the report, gives the federal government authority to conclude agreements between Somalia and foreign states and international organisations.
The reported plans therefore risk adding another layer to existing tensions between Mogadishu and Puntland over political authority, security responsibilities and relations with foreign powers.
Neither the US government nor Somalia's federal authorities were immediately cited as confirming the full details of the reported agreement.
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.
