Puntland and the United States have signed a security cooperation agreement that will allow Washington to expand its facility in Bosaso, aimed at strengthening counterterrorism operations and enhancing maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The agreement was signed during a meeting in Bosaso between Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and a U.S. delegation led by AFRICOM Special Operations Commander Major General Claude K. Tudor Jr.
The meeting was also attended by Puntland government ministers, military officials, and advisers.
Puntland said the new agreement is part of efforts to deepen security cooperation with the United States, while reaffirming its commitment to combating terrorism and addressing threats that could undermine the security, stability, and development of Puntland, Somalia, and the wider Horn of Africa.
“The Puntland government and the United States have also signed an agreement to expand bilateral cooperation. The agreement allows the U.S. government to expand its facility in Bosaso to enhance counterterrorism operations and maritime security,” the Puntland Presidency said in a statement.
“The Puntland government remains committed to fighting terrorism and any threat that could undermine the security, stability, and development of Puntland, Somalia, and the wider Horn of Africa,” the statement added.
The Puntland Presidency also highlighted U.S. military support during Puntland’s operations against ISIS militants in the Cal Miskaad mountains of Bari region.
“The United States has carried out several airstrikes this year and last year in the Cal Miskaad mountains, while providing military support to Puntland forces during operations against ISIS,” the statement said.
The United States supported Puntland’s campaign against ISIS from 2024 to 2025.
The assistance included airstrikes, intelligence sharing, and logistical support for Puntland forces operating in mountainous areas where ISIS militants had established bases.
Earlier this year, Puntland forces announced that they had retaken several areas previously controlled by ISIS following months of military operations supported by the United States and other international partners.
The new agreement comes at a time when some international partners have expressed growing frustration with the security situation in Mogadishu, particularly over setbacks in the fight against Al-Shabaab despite significant international support.
AFRICOM Commander Major General Claude K. Tudor Jr. recently told Citizen TV Kenya that delays and challenges remain in the fight against terrorism, saying Somalia has not fully met its responsibilities despite receiving substantial international assistance.
The expanded security partnership with Puntland reflects Washington’s continued focus on the strategic importance of the Horn of Africa, particularly the security of the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea shipping routes, and efforts to prevent extremist groups from expanding their foothold in the region.