Puntland leader Said Abdullahi Deni on Sunday hosted the United States Special Operations Commander for East Africa, Colonel Ed Norris, along with his accompanying delegation, at the Presidential Palace in Bosaso, Bari region. The two sides held an extensive meeting focused primarily on the region’s ongoing security operations, particularly the counter-terrorism campaign against the Islamic State in Somalia (ISIS) in the Al Miskat mountain range of Bari.
President Deni expressed his gratitude to the United States for its steadfast support, especially the aerial operations that have provided critical backing to Puntland forces. The U.S. military has been assisting Puntland in its fight against ISIS, conducting multiple airstrikes in the Al Miskat Mountains to weaken the group’s operational capacity.
The United Arab Emirates has also provided similar air support to strengthen the Hillaac Operation—Puntland’s mission to eliminate ISIS elements from the mountainous region.
During the meeting, both parties emphasised the importance of continued cooperation. U.S. officials praised the achievements of Puntland’s security forces and the progress of the operation. The discussions also explored ways to enhance joint efforts to ensure long-term stability in the region.
