U.S. Commander Praises Puntland’s Success in Fight Against ISIS

FILE: U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) commander Gen. Dagvin Anderson

MOGADISHU, Somalia — U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) commander Gen. Dagvin Anderson has praised the Puntland regional administration for its tangible progress in counterterrorism operations, particularly against ISIS in the Al-Miskad [Calmiskaad] mountains.

Speaking to reporters this week, Gen. Anderson said:

“We worked with Puntland, providing intelligence, target identification, and airstrikes; but it was the Somali [Puntland] forces who took responsibility on the ground and delivered real, measurable success.”

His comments come as Puntland security forces continue intensified operations in the Galgala Mountains and the surrounding areas of the Bari region, targeting entrenched militant groups.

Anderson said Puntland’s role in the ground offensive exemplifies how international partnerships combined with capable local forces can lead to meaningful victories in the fight against extremist threats.

Intelligence Support and Precision Strikes. According to AFRICOM, the U.S. provided:

Critical intelligence
Strategic target information
Limited precision airstrikes

However, Anderson emphasized that it was Puntland’s ground troops who led the charge, breaking through militant strongholds and disrupting their operations.

A Model for Somali Security Forces

Describing Puntland’s performance as a model, Gen. Anderson said, “This shows what Somalis can achieve when they’re given the right support and operational autonomy.”

Puntland officials have previously announced the killing of senior ISIS and al-Shabab figures, and the seizure of weapons and explosives during recent offensives.

Call for Greater Coordination Nationwide

The U.S. has called on Somalia’s Federal Government and other federal member states to emulate Puntland’s approach, urging more cohesive efforts to secure long-term peace and eliminate terrorism across the country.

GAROWE ONLINE