Puntland, AFRICOM discuss proposed US base in Bosaso and maritime security

BOSASO, Somalia — Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni met senior officials from the United States Africa Command in Bosaso on Sunday for talks on expanding security cooperation, including counterterrorism operations and maritime security.

The US delegation was led by Colonel James Rose, commander of US special operations in East Africa, according to the Puntland presidency.

Officials discussed accelerating plans for a US base in Bosaso and strengthening joint operations against Islamic State and Al-Shabaab militants operating in the Calmiskaad and Calmadow mountain ranges.

The discussions also covered counter-piracy operations, training for the Puntland Defence Forces and measures to address growing security concerns along the region’s coastline.

The meeting comes as Türkiye conducts strikes along Somalia’s coast without coordinating with Federal Member States, particularly Puntland, which administers approximately 1,600 kilometres of coastline.

The situation has raised questions over who coordinates foreign military operations in Somalia’s coastal areas, how civilians are protected and whether international partners should engage directly with the authorities responsible for the territories in which such operations take place.

Puntland has maintained that counter-piracy missions, maritime-security operations and airstrikes conducted within its territory or coastal waters should not proceed without its knowledge and cooperation.

Members of Puntland’s Cabinet, presidential advisers, senior military officers and the director-general of the presidency attended the meeting.

GAROWE ONLINE