Boosaaso (Sahan Post) \u2013 The Acting President and Vice President of Puntland, Ilyaas Cismaan Lugatoor, who is currently on an official working visit to Boosaaso, held a high-level meeting today with a delegation from the United States government led by Gen. Dagvin R. M. Anderson, Commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). The delegation also included Justin Davis, the U.S. Deputy Ambassador to Somalia, as well as senior diplomats and military officials.<\/p>\n
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in counterterrorism, particularly the ongoing operations aimed at eliminating ISIS militants in the Calmiskaad Mountains. Both sides also reviewed areas of collaboration on maritime security, a critical priority for Puntland given its strategic coastline.<\/p>\n
The U.S. delegation commended the Puntland Government for its commitment and resilience in its efforts to combat ISIS, praising the dedication of Puntland security forces engaged in the Calmiskaad operations. Puntland leaders, in turn, expressed their appreciation to the United States\u2014especially AFRICOM for its continued support and operational partnership.<\/p>\n
Senior Puntland officials who attended the meeting included: Gen. Aaden Cabdi Xaashi, Commander of the Puntland Defence Forces, Cabdifataax Cabdinuur, State Minister of the Presidency, Cabdirabi Cabdisamed, Director General and Commander of the PMPF Presidential Advisors on Political and Security Affairs, Maxamed Cabdiraxmaan Dhabancad and Maxamed Warsame (Seefta Banaanka)<\/p>\n
This marks the third visit by AFRICOM officials to Puntland in under three months. During their previous two visits, they met with President Said Abdullahi Deni. The latest visit comes amid growing concerns over AFRICOM’s strike on September 13, which targeted a prominent clan leader, Omar Abdullahi Abdi Ibrahim, near Badhan. The strike resulted in his death, yet no official reports have been released regarding the circumstances of his killing. Families and local communities are demanding justice and transparency from both AFRICOM and Puntland officials, calling for a thorough investigation into the incident.<\/p>\n