US strengthens military presence in breakaway Puntland amid battle for Red Sea

The United States is bolstering its military presence in the breakaway Puntland region, amidst a conflict for control of the Red Sea. Following a recent meeting between the US Special Operations Command Africa and Puntland's president, an agreement was signed to expand the American military base in Bosaso, a port city on the Gulf of Aden.

Puntland has been actively fighting terrorism and protecting maritime security, according to a Puntland statement. The expansion is seen as essential for these operations. The US has previously used a base in Bosaso for the Puntland Maritime Police Force, a regional force backed by the UAE to combat piracy.

However, the Bosaso Air Base and PMPF have been criticized for violating UN Security Council Resolution 1425 and the UN arms embargo on Somalia. Much of the weaponry and heavy logistical materials being transported from the UAE are destined for Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, who have been at war with the Sudanese Armed Forces and accused of war crimes.

The expanded US military presence may be linked to the escalating situation in the Iran war, as well as Washington's desire to wage operations against Yemen's Ansar Allah, or Houthis. The deal occurred in the wake of the Houthis declaring a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea ports. Despite legal complications, the Puntland deal bypasses the US-backed Federal Government of Somalia, which has refused to recognize constitutional changes introduced in 2024.

The US still upholds Somalia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, but the negotiations in Puntland could be seen as exacerbating divisions within the country.