Biden sends US ground troops to Somalia

Prior to Trump's withdrawal, the United States had about 700 troops in Somalia focused on helping local forces defeat the al-Shabab insurgency.

News Keydmedia Online
16 May 2022

WASHINGTON - US President Joe Biden has authorized the redeployment of several hundred US troops into Somalia, two officials say, after Donald Trump ordered their withdrawal during his presidency.

Prior to Trump's withdrawal, the United States had about 700 troops in Somalia focused on helping local forces defeat the al-Shabab insurgency.

"President Biden has approved a request from the Secretary of Defense to re-establish a persistent US military presence in Somalia to enable a more effective fight against al-Shabab," a senior administration official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said.

"This is a repositioning of forces already in theatre who have traveled in and out of Somalia on an episodic basis since the previous administration made the decision to withdraw," the official added.

Al-Shabab is seeking to topple the government and establish its own rule in Somalia based on its strict interpretation of Islamic law.

The group frequently carries out bombings in Mogadishu and elsewhere as part of its war against the Horn of Africa country's central government.

Somalia has endured conflict and clan battles with no strong central government since the fall of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991.

The government has little control beyond the capital and the African Union contingent guards an Iraq-style "Green Zone".

While the US did not have troops in Somalia since Trump ordered their withdrawal in December 2020, the military has occasionally carried out strikes in the country and has had troops in nearby countries.