Bosaso (WDN)- In a significant show of support for Somalia’s regional counterterrorism efforts, the United States has air-dropped food and military supplies to Puntland forces currently engaged in anti-ISIS operations in the remote Cal-Miskaad mountain range.

The air-drop, which took place overnight, targeted frontline units stationed in the Miraale and Baallade areas—key flashpoints in Puntland’s ongoing offensive against remaining Islamic State (Daesh) militants in the region.

According to a statement released by the Cal-Miskaad Operation Command, the air-drop was conducted in close coordination between the Puntland government and U.S. military advisors. The supplies included essential rations and tactical equipment aimed at sustaining troops in difficult terrain where conventional supply routes remain limited.

“The Government of Puntland, with support from its U.S. partners, successfully delivered food and critical logistics by air to anti-terrorism forces operating in the Cal-Miskaad mountains,” the statement read.

The operation comes as part of a broader offensive launched by Puntland’s defense forces to eliminate pockets of ISIS fighters who have retreated into the region’s mountainous hideouts. The U.S. has also carried out precision airstrikes in recent days targeting key ISIS encampments.

“The United States conducted aerial strikes this week in support of the operation, hitting locations believed to be used as safe havens by fleeing terrorist elements,” the statement added.

The U.S.-backed campaign underscores the strategic importance of the Cal-Miskaad range, which has long been exploited by extremist groups for its difficult terrain and isolation from government-controlled areas.

Security analysts say the combined air and ground operation represents a critical step in weakening ISIS’s ability to regroup in northern Somalia. The latest support from Washington signals a continued U.S. commitment to regional counterterrorism in East Africa, even as global attention remains focused on conflicts elsewhere.

WardheerNews