The recruits have reportedly been drawn from different branches of Puntland’s security forces and are expected to train at a US facility in Bosaso, the region’s principal port city. The programme is intended to prepare them for counterterrorism operations against al-Shabaab and Islamic State militants operating in northeastern Somalia.
The development is notable given President Donald Trump’s repeated disparaging remarks about Somalia. In 2018, he reportedly referred to some African nations as “shithole countries” during a White House meeting on immigration. In December 2025, he revisited the remark publicly and specifically described Somalia in derogatory terms.
In October 2026, the US president again referred to the country as a “shithouse”, while attacking Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who was born in Somalia. He also revived his controversial “shithole countries” remark at a campaign rally in Georgia days later, grouping Somalia with Libya, Yemen and Haiti.
The reported military cooperation highlights how Washington’s strategic interests in the region continue despite the president’s rhetoric. Puntland’s location along the Gulf of Aden, close to major international shipping routes, gives it significance for counterterrorism and maritime security operations.
US seeks stronger foothold in Bosaso
Somalia is a federal republic made up of several federal member states, including Puntland, a semi-autonomous region in the country’s northeast. Established in 1998, Puntland has its own administration, president and security forces, although it remains part of the internationally recognised Somali state.
Unlike Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991, Puntland has historically sought to remain within a federal Somalia.
According to Africa Monitoring, the recruitment effort follows an agreement reportedly signed on August 2 between Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and a US Africa Command delegation led by Major General Claude K. Tudor Jr.
The arrangement would allow Washington to expand its facility in Bosaso, Puntland’s principal port city, to support operations against militant groups and improve maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The reported deal covers military training, equipment and salary support for Puntland security forces. However, neither the US government nor Somalia’s federal authorities have publicly confirmed the agreement, its full terms or plans for a larger American military base.
Puntland has played a central role in operations against Islamic State-linked fighters in the mountainous Bari region, while US forces have provided air support and intelligence to operations in northern Somalia.
The development also comes as Somalia seeks to broaden its international security partnerships. On October 31, Mogadishu and Moscow discussed cooperation covering police training, counterterrorism and cybersecurity, according to Africa Monitoring.
Source: africa.businessinsider.com
