Bosaso, Somalia (WDN) –Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni on Tuesday received United Nations Special Representative for Somalia James Swan and his delegation in Bosaso, according to officials.

The meeting, attended by members of the Puntland cabinet, covered a wide range of issues including Somalia’s political climate, security conditions, and humanitarian challenges. The talks also highlighted the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign in the Calmiskad Mountains of Bari region, where Puntland forces are conducting operations against militant groups.

In a statement, Puntland authorities said the UN delegation commended the state’s efforts to curb violent extremism and acknowledged progress in disrupting the activities of groups such as the Islamic State in Somalia (ISS) and Al-Shabaab.

Operation Hilaac, launched earlier this year, has targeted militant strongholds in the mountainous areas near Bosaso, significantly weakening insurgent capacity, according to Puntland security officials. However, analysts caution that the groups remain capable of regrouping due to porous borders and local grievances.

The United Nations has been a key partner in Somalia’s stabilization efforts, supporting humanitarian programs and backing political dialogue between federal and state authorities. Swan’s visit comes at a time of heightened concern over security threats and political fragmentation in Somalia, with Puntland positioning itself as a critical actor in both counter-terrorism and state-building.

WardheerNews