Bosaso, Somalia – The United States reaffirmed its commitment to regional security on Saturday as U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Richard Riley and U.S. Special Operations Command–Africa (SOCAF) Commander Major General Claude Tudor held talks with Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni in Bosaso.
According to a joint statement, the high-level visit underscored Washington’s recognition of Puntland’s critical role in countering ISIS-linked militants and strengthening maritime security along Somalia’s northern coastline. The officials praised Puntland’s local security forces, noting that while U.S. capabilities provide vital support, “it is local forces that are on the front lines, leading the charge against threats not just to Somalia, but the wider region and beyond.”
The talks highlighted the shared priority of securing the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean corridor, an area vulnerable to militant infiltration, smuggling, and piracy. Puntland, which has faced repeated insurgent attacks in Bari region, remains a frontline state in the fight against ISIS cells entrenched in mountainous hideouts.
Amb. Riley stressed that Washington’s strategy relies on a coordinated approach, blending international assistance with the leadership of Somali security institutions. Maj. Gen. Tudor echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that regional stability hinges on empowering local actors to safeguard their communities while benefiting from targeted U.S. support.
President Deni welcomed the delegation, calling the meeting a “clear signal of international confidence in Puntland’s resilience” and reaffirmed his administration’s determination to root out extremist networks and protect Somalia’s maritime borders.