Puntland, U.S. Expand Security Partnership as AFRICOM Agrees to Broaden Bosaso Base

Bosaso (WDN) – Puntland and the United States have agreed to significantly expand their security cooperation following high-level talks in Bosaso, culminating in a new agreement that will allow the United States to enlarge its military presence at Bosaso as part of broader counterterrorism and maritime security efforts in the Horn of Africa.

Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, accompanied by cabinet ministers, senior military commanders and presidential advisers, met on Saturday with a U.S. delegation led by Major General Claude Tudor, Commander of U.S. Africa Command’s (AFRICOM) Special Operations component.

The discussions focused on strengthening the long-standing security partnership between Puntland and the United States, with particular emphasis on counterterrorism operations and safeguarding the strategically vital Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping corridors.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the two sides signed an agreement expanding bilateral security cooperation. Under the deal, the United States will be permitted to enlarge its operational facilities in Bosaso to enhance counterterrorism missions and maritime security operations in one of the world’s busiest and most strategically important waterways.