The United States is reportedly planning to expand its intelligence and military operations in the Puntland port city of Bosaso, with proposals to transform its existing presence at Bosaso Airport into a more capable base for surveillance, intelligence-gathering and air operations.
According to a report by Drop Site News, citing five regional security officials, Washington is considering upgrading its current footprint in Bosaso, where the U.S. military’s Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) already maintain a small liaison and intelligence facility.
The report states that AFRICOM personnel stationed in Bosaso currently serve as a link between Puntland security forces and the U.S. military’s main regional hub in Djibouti, particularly when air support is required.
If the proposed expansion moves forward, U.S. aircraft could operate directly from Bosaso to conduct surveillance missions and strikes targeting militant groups.
The planned expansion is also expected to increase CIA activities in Puntland, with a particular focus on the fight against ISIS-Somalia, which remains active in parts of Bari region.
Security discussions between U.S. and Puntland officials have reportedly centered on both counterterrorism operations and the broader security situation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Puntland publicly acknowledged the growing security partnership on August 2 following a meeting between Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and a U.S. delegation led by Major General Claude Tudor, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command Africa.
Puntland’s presidency said Washington intended to expand its military presence in Bosaso to strengthen counterterrorism efforts and maritime security.
The report also highlights the CIA’s alleged involvement in Puntland’s operations against ISIS.
According to officials cited by Drop Site News, CIA personnel have participated in the interrogation of captured ISIS members, particularly senior operatives and foreign fighters.
One example mentioned is the July 2025 capture of Abdullahi Mohamed Yusuf, also known as Abdullahi Walalac, who was described as a key financial figure within ISIS-Somalia.
The United States had previously designated him as a global terrorist.
While Puntland initially described his arrest as a joint operation involving Somali and U.S. forces, officials quoted in the report claimed the mission was led by the United States and involved a helicopter, a Somali interpreter and officers from Puntland’s intelligence and security services.
Two officials further alleged that CIA personnel transported Yusuf to a facility at Bosaso Airport for questioning before he was later transferred to Djibouti.
The report also claims that Washington is considering supporting the creation of a new Puntland counterterrorism force.
Although details remain unclear, U.S. officials are reportedly discussing providing funding, equipment and training for the proposed unit, which would focus on operations against ISIS and other militant groups.
If implemented, the plan would mark a significant expansion of the U.S. military footprint in Puntland and could further elevate Bosaso’s strategic role in counterterrorism operations across Somalia, the Gulf of Aden and the wider Red Sea region.