US military eyes resumption of halted airstrikes in Somalia 

During his unannounced visit, the head of AFRICOM has held talks with Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe on the war on Al-Shabaab and plans by Washington to resume airstrikes against Al-Shabaab.

News Keydmedia Online
15 May 2021

KISMAYO, Somalia - The commander of the US military in Africa Gen. Stephen Townsend has traveled to the southern key port city of Kismayo on Saturday to meet a regional leader in Somalia.

During his unannounced visit, the head of AFRICOM has held talks with Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe on the war on Al-Shabaab and plans by Washington to resume airstrikes against Al-Shabaab.

In a short dispatch, Jubaland's presidency said both sides discuss ways to cooperate in the fight against terrorism and how the US could play a strong role in defeating terrorists posting threats to Somali people.

Hundreds of the US stationed in Somalia for several years have been pulled out in January 2021 following orders from Trump shortly before his departure from the White House and repositioned in East Africa.

The suspension of the frequent US drone strikes gave Al-Shabaab a chance to plan and execute terrorist attacks in Somalia, mainly in the south for the past three months.

Now, seemingly after Biden assumed office, the US wants to resume counter-terrorism operations in the country to avert the threat of Al-Shabaab to its interest in the region.

KEYDMEDIA English