Bosaso, Somalia – Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni on Friday bid farewell to Colonel Edward Norris, the outgoing United States Special Operations Commander in East Africa, and welcomed his successor, Colonel Benjamin Benander, in a ceremony underscoring deepening security ties.
The meeting, held in the coastal city of Bosaso, highlighted recent joint counter-terrorism achievements in Calmiskaad, where Puntland forces, supported by US operations, have targeted ISIS and Al-Shabaab militants. President Deni expressed his government’s gratitude for Washington’s sustained support in bolstering Puntland’s security capabilities.
Colonel Norris, reflecting on his tenure, lauded Puntland’s operational successes against extremist groups and the strong cooperation between local forces and US Special Operations. In a symbolic gesture, he presented President Deni with a missile fragment from a recent US airstrike, describing it as a testament to the effectiveness of coordinated military action.
“Puntland’s forces have demonstrated professionalism and resolve in confronting threats that not only endanger Somalia but also regional stability,” Norris said, adding that the collaboration had set a “solid foundation” for his successor to build upon.
Colonel Benander, taking over the role, pledged continued US partnership in strengthening Puntland’s counter-terrorism efforts, intelligence sharing, and operational readiness.
The handover comes at a time of heightened security activity in northeastern Somalia, where ISIS has sought to maintain footholds in remote mountain ranges while Al-Shabaab remains active in rural pockets. Puntland’s government has intensified its operations in recent months, claiming significant territorial and operational gains.
Security analysts say the US partnership remains a crucial factor in sustaining momentum against insurgent groups, particularly through precision airstrikes and advanced training for local forces.