Mogadishu, Somalia – The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) has strengthened its dedication to eradicating both Al-Shabaab and ISIS militants from the Horn of Africa. This commitment prompted Gen. Dagvin Anderson’s regional tour, which included recent visits to Ethiopia, Puntland, and Somaliland.
To reaffirm the US commitment to Somalia based on a unified policy approach, Gen. Anderson correctly emphasized that Puntland and Somaliland are constituent states of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
On Monday, Gen. Anderson stated that the US endorses applying “maximum pressure” on ISIS, al-Shabaab, and other violent extremist organizations. Although ISIS terrorists are confined to the Bari region in Somalia, the Al-Shabaab group maintains a significant presence in the central and southern areas.
The journey aligned with President Donald Trump’s priorities and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s guidance, representing a renewed effort to strengthen Washington’s dedication to counterterrorism operations throughout the continent, with a focus on safeguarding the U.S. homeland.
“The primary reason for my visit is our shared threats. I am familiar with this region and understand its challenges; we are here to assist in empowering our African partners to confront these threats collectively,” he said in his statement.
During his travels, Gen. Anderson engaged with government leaders to promote what AFRICOM characterized as a “precisely targeted” strategy for confronting terrorism through burden sharing, enhanced cooperation, and coordinated security priorities.
In Addis Ababa, Gen. Anderson convened with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Chief of Defense, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula Gelelcha, to address the escalating threat from ISIS and al-Shabaab. Ethiopia stands as a significant security stakeholder in Somalia.
In Hargeisa, the administrative center of Somaliland, Gen. Anderson held discussions with President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, Brig. Gen. Niman Yusuf Osman, who serves as chief of general staff of the Somaliland Armed Forces, and Adm. Ahmed Hurre Hariye, commander of the Somaliland Coast Guard.
He additionally visited the port city of Berbera to evaluate the security situation and examine the port’s operational capabilities. In Puntland, Gen. Anderson’s final destination, he met with Vice President Ilyas Osman Lugatoor, Gen. Adan Abdi Hashi, chief of the Puntland Defense Forces, and other high-ranking officials to advance counterterrorism initiatives.
The US General commended Puntland’s ongoing high-pressure campaign against ISIS in the Golis Mountains, acknowledging progress while emphasizing the necessity to intensify operations.
Gen. Anderson reiterated that countering extremist groups constitutes a shared responsibility and that no single nation can independently confront these threats. He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting African partner forces achieving tangible progress.
