Somalia: Puntland Enlists Troops for US Training at Bosaso Military Base

GAROWE, Somalia — Puntland authorities have begun enlisting nearly 100 troops selected from different security units for training by the United States at a military base in the port city of Bosaso, local media reported.

The recruits have been drawn from various branches of Puntland's security forces and are being assembled ahead of a training programme expected to focus on military operations, counterterrorism and strengthening the regional administration's security capabilities.

The move follows a recent agreement between the United States and Puntland covering the training, equipping and payment of salaries for Puntland security forces.

The agreement is part of broader security cooperation between the two sides, aimed at strengthening local forces and supporting operations against Islamist militant groups, including al-Shabab and Islamic State, which maintain a presence in parts of Puntland.

Puntland, a Federal State in northeastern Somalia, has been at the forefront of operations against Islamic State militants, particularly in the mountainous areas of the Bari region.

Further details about the duration of the training programme, the units involved and when the recruits are expected to begin operations have not been disclosed.

GAROWE ONLINE