The U.S. is reportedly stepping up airstrike operations and its military presence in Puntland state of Somalia, while U.S. drones conducted reconnaissance operations in the Al-Miskaad Mountains in Bari region on September, 3, 2026. The drones carried out the operations in Togga Miraale and Togga Baalade areas, which are considered strongholds of ISIS fighters, Puntland security officials said. Officials revealed that U.S. drones spotted ISIS fighters travelling with donkey cart in the Baalade valley, and subsequently carried out airstrikes in the vicinity around 8:30 p.m.
These operations come as Washington planned to expand its military presence and set up a new military base in the port city of Bosaso, according to Puntland security officers. The planned military base was announced on August, 2, 2026, after a high-level meeting was held between Puntland’s President, Saed Abdullahi Deni, and a delegation headed by Major General Claude K. Tudor Jr., the Commander, Special Operations, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) officials highlighted in the meeting that they are committed to expand the U.S. military base in Bosaso, so as to strengthen the fight against armed groups, and the security in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
However, five Puntland security officials told the Drop Site that the agreement is more extensive than what was stated in the official announcement, and the new base is to operate directly from Bosaso. The United States currently maintains an office in Bosaso used by AFRICOM and the CIA, which links Puntland Forces with AFRICOM headquarters in Djibouti when air support is required, according to security officials. Officials disclosed that once the new base is completed, U.S. drones will launch airstrikes and reconnaissance missions directly from Bosaso.
For nearly two years, fighting has been ongoing in the Al-Miskaad Mountains between Puntland forces-backed by the U.S.—and ISIS militants. The United States has recently stepped up airstrikes and operations in Somalia, as ISIS continues to maintain hideouts in parts of the mountains. According to data from New America cited in the report, the United States has carried out 205 airstrikes in Somalia since Donald Trump began his presidency, with 53 percent of those airstrikes targeting ISIS.
The report also states that the U.S. plans to establish a new local force operating in Puntland to combat terrorist groups. Puntland officials indicated that the U.S. would be responsible for salaries, equipment, and training of these forces, although their total number has not yet been determined. The plan for the new base in Bosaso has also raised questions regarding Puntland’s authority to enter into military agreements with foreign nations. The report also notes that Somalia’s constitution stipulates that the Federal Government holds the authority to sign agreements between Somalia and foreign states or entities.
