Puntland President Bids Farewell to Outgoing U.S. Special Operations Commander in East Africa

Bosaso – August 8, 2025: The President of Puntland, H.E. Said Abdullahi Deni, today bid farewell to Colonel Ed Norris, outgoing Commander of U.S. Special Operations in East Africa, upon the completion of his assignment. President Deni also welcomed the newly appointed commander, Colonel Benander, who was part of the delegation received at the State House.

In a gesture of appreciation, President Deni presented Colonel Norris with a traditional Somali gift, expressing gratitude to the United States for its continued support in the counter-terrorism operations in Puntland, particularly the ongoing mission in the Al-Miskad Mountains.

The President voiced his hope that the incoming commander, Colonel Benander, will maintain and strengthen the cooperation between the Puntland Government and the United States, especially in the areas of security and counter-terrorism.

Colonel Norris, in his remarks, thanked President Deni and the people of Puntland for their partnership and support in the joint efforts to combat terrorism, which he described as a threat to Somalia and the wider global community.

As a token of remembrance, he handed over to the Puntland Government a spent missile shell from one of the U.S. airstrikes that targeted terrorist militants in the Alleelo-yar area of the Al-Miskad Mountains.

The U.S. Government commended Puntland’s firm commitment to eliminating terrorist groups such as ISIS and Al-Shabaab from its territories. In recognition of this collaboration, Colonel Norris awarded medals to PMPF Director General Gen. Abdulrabi Abdismad and several senior officers for their close cooperation throughout the joint counter-terrorism operations in the Al-Miskad region.