A senior U.S. military commander has commended Puntland’s ongoing efforts to root out Islamic State militants from the Cal-Miskaad mountains, signaling a deepening security partnership between Washington and Somalia’s semi-autonomous region.
The praise came during a regional security briefing held between Puntland defense officials and a visiting delegation from U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), which has played a key advisory and intelligence-sharing role in Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts. The Cal-Miskaad mountain range, long considered a sanctuary for Islamic State–Somalia factions, has seen intensified offensives by Puntland Security Forces in recent weeks.
While Al-Shabaab remains Somalia’s dominant militant group, the Islamic State’s presence in the north has drawn increasing concern from the U.S. due to its transnational funding links, use of encrypted communications, and potential ties to global jihadist movements.
The U.S. has previously supported Puntland with drone surveillance, training programs, and limited operational logistics. This latest recognition suggests Washington views Puntland as a critical local actor capable of containing terrorist threats without heavy federal oversight.
U.S. commander
“We commend Puntland’s leadership and its security forces for their resolve and operational progress against ISIS elements,”
according to a press statement released by AFRICOM.
“These gains demonstrate that with commitment and coordination, regional forces can play a decisive role in ensuring security and stability.”
Puntland officials echoed the sentiment, emphasizing their desire for continued U.S. partnership and further support in post-conflict stabilization and intelligence capacity.
The statement represents more than diplomatic pleasantry — it underscores the shifting geopolitics of Somalia’s security map. As trust between Mogadishu and some federal member states erodes, external actors like the U.S. may increasingly pursue regional-level engagement, particularly where there is a proven track record of operational success.
For Puntland, this moment may translate into enhanced leverage not just militarily but politically — particularly in negotiations with the Somali federal government. However, experts caution that sustained security gains will depend on long-term governance, local legitimacy, and avoiding inter-regional rivalries.
