Mogadishu, Somalia – The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) has reaffirmed its dedication to eradicating both Al-Shabaab and ISIS militants from the Horn of Africa. This stance underpinned Gen. Dagvin Anderson’s regional visit, which included stops in Ethiopia, Puntland, and Somaliland.
To underscore US support for a unified Somalia policy, Gen. Anderson affirmed that Puntland and Somaliland form part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. On Monday, he emphasized backing “maximum pressure” against ISIS, Al-Shabaab, and other violent extremist groups.
While ISIS operatives are confined to Somalia’s Bari region, Al-Shabaab maintains a robust foothold in central and southern areas. The visit aligned with President Trump’s priorities and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s directives, intensifying Washington’s counterterrorism efforts continent-wide to safeguard the US homeland.
“The main purpose of my visit is our common threats. I know this region well, understand the challenges, and we aim to empower African partners to tackle them collaboratively,” Anderson said.
During the trip, Anderson engaged government leaders to pursue AFRICOM’s precise strategy against terrorism via shared burdens, enhanced collaboration, and synchronized security goals.
In Addis Ababa, he conferred with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Chief of Defense Field Marshal Birhanu Jula Gelelcha on the escalating dangers from ISIS and Al-Shabaab, noting Ethiopia’s key role in Somali security.
In Hargeisa, Somaliland’s administrative hub, Anderson met President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, Brig. Gen. Niman Yusuf Osman of the Somaliland Armed Forces, and Adm. Ahmed Hurre Hariye of the Somaliland Coast Guard.
He visited Berbera port to evaluate security and operations. In Puntland, his last stop, Anderson consulted Vice President Ilyas Osman Lugatoor, Gen. Adan Abdi Hashi of the Puntland Defense Forces, and other officials to boost anti-terrorism initiatives.
The US general lauded Puntland’s intense campaign against ISIS in the Golis Mountains, acknowledging advances while urging escalated actions.
Anderson stressed that countering extremists demands collective effort, as no nation can succeed alone. He renewed US support for African allies achieving tangible results.