Puntland president meets top U.S., UK military commanders in Kenya 

NAIROBI, Kenya — Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni met with senior U.S. and British special forces commanders to discuss security cooperation and ongoing counterterrorism operations in his Somali Federal State, officials said.

The talks brought together U.S. special forces commander for East Africa Col. Ryan Flaherty and his British counterpart Col. Rich Grover, along with other senior officers.

Discussions focused on Somalia’s overall security situation and efforts to combat militant groups, particularly operations targeting the Islamic State group in the Calmiskaad mountains of Puntland.

Officials said the meeting reviewed recent gains made by Puntland security forces as operations against ISIS militants near completion, and emphasized strengthening coordination and cooperation in the broader fight against terrorism.

Deni thanked the United States and the United Kingdom for their continued support to the Puntland government and people, praising their role in backing the Calmiskaad operation.

Also attending the meeting were the director general of the Puntland presidency, Mohamed Jaamac Abdirahman, and Puntland’s representative for political affairs and international relations, Mohamed Abdirahman Dhabancad.

GAROWE ONLINE