Somalia and the US have discussed strengthening defense cooperation, as the African country seeks to rebuild its armed forces before the departure of African Union forces.
Air Force Commander Gen Abdirisak Mohamud Haji held talks in Mogadishu with the US defense attaché to Somalia, Col Egan O'Reilly, focusing on improving the force's capabilities and institutional development, the Somali-based Caasimada Online reported on September 22.
"The meeting discussed strengthening defence cooperation between Somalia and the United States, particularly the reconstruction, improvement and development of the Somali Air Force," the report said.
On September 13, Somalia’s Army Chief Brig Gen Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud met the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command Africa, Major General Claude K. Tudor Jr., in Mogadishu to deepen bilateral military cooperation as Washington expands its security footprint across the Horn of Africa.
The talks focused on enhancing the capabilities of the Somali National Army through training, qualification programs and the exchange of expertise, alongside improving the operational efficiency of Somali forces.
Both sides also reviewed continued coordination on security and military issues and discussed regional developments affecting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The meeting comes as the US broadens its engagement beyond Mogadishu to include regional authorities. On August 2, Maj Gen Tudor signed an agreement with Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni in Bosaso to expand a US military facility in the port city, framing the move as support for counter-terrorism and maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Bosaso’s location on the Gulf of Aden, close to shipping lanes leading to Bab el-Mandeb, gives the US a forward position to monitor maritime traffic in one of the world’s most strategic corridors.
The US military activity in Somalia has long centered on operations against the al-Qaida-linked al‑Shabaab and Islamic State militants, including airstrikes and training missions.
Washington’s strategy now also weighs Somalia’s geography amid heightened tensions over Red Sea shipping and confrontations involving Iran and Houthi forces on Yemen’s coast. With an established base in Djibouti, an expanded presence along the Somali coast would offer additional options for monitoring, deployment and maritime operations.
