Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni on Monday met senior United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) officials in Bosaso for talks focused on security cooperation, counterterrorism and maritime security, according to officials familiar with the meeting.
The US delegation was led by Colonel James Rose, chief of the US Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA).
Discussions focused on strengthening security cooperation between Puntland and the United States, including support for operations against militant groups operating in Puntland’s mountainous areas.
The talks reportedly included plans to advance the construction of a US facility in Bosaso, as well as continued support for operations targeting ISIS-Somalia and Al-Shabaab in the Cal Miskaad and Calmadow areas.
Maritime security and efforts to counter piracy along Puntland’s coastline were also discussed, amid renewed concerns over piracy activity in Somali waters.
The two sides also considered expanding training and capacity-building programmes for Puntland security forces, particularly in counterterrorism and maritime security.
The meeting comes as Puntland continues military operations against ISIS-Somalia in the Cal Miskaad mountains, while authorities face a renewed challenge from piracy along parts of the Somali coastline.
US security cooperation with Puntland has historically focused on counterterrorism, particularly efforts against ISIS-Somalia, which has maintained bases in the mountainous areas of Bari region.
The latest discussions are expected to further strengthen coordination between Puntland security authorities and US special operations forces in addressing militant threats and maritime insecurity.
Mustaqbal
