Trump orders withdrawal of US troops from Somalia

Saturday, December 5, 2020. President Donald Trump has ordered the US Department of Defense and AFRICOM to withdraw troops from Somalia early next year. About 700 US troops are in Somalia, battling al-Shabab and ISIS, and supporting Somali and AMISOM forces.

The troops will be deployed to Somalia's neighboring countries in East Africa, while others will be deployed outside Africa. The United States will continue operations against al-Shabab, and troops will be deployed to bases in Djibouti and Kenya to take part in cracking down on extremists. The implications for security are unknown, with the United States providing support to the Somali National Army, training, and logistics.

However, the decision to withdraw US troops from Somalia comes at a time when security in Somalia is deteriorating and extremist bombings are on the rise. Political analysts also say the decision is not timely, as the country goes to the polls and security needs to be tightened.

Al Shabaab, which has been fighting for more than a decade to establish a rule based on its strict interpretation of Islamic law, often carries out armed and bombing attacks on both military and civilian targets and has also attacked neighbor countries in the region, like Kenya. Many US troops in Somalia train and support Danab, the Somali Special Forces that are central to the operation to assassinate Al Shabaab leaders. Danab, with about 850 troops but planned to increase to 3,000, is the most powerful and capable force in Somalia to fight al-Shabaab.

However, the decision by the United States to withdraw its troops from Somalia will be unpopular inside Somalia, as the country enters a period of transition. Meanwhile, Al-Shabaab militants are increasing their attacks on civilians who need a well-trained army.

The United States supports and trains Danab, Somalia’s Special Forces to assist in the elimination of terrorist groups in Somalia. It is thought that the United States will continue to carry out airstrikes against militants from bases in neighboring countries. But in the conclusion of the offensive powers of the earth will have a greater impact in the fight against Islamist militants, who continue to control large areas of Somalia’s territory.

In past months US inspectors have issued advice to withdraw forces in Somalia. It is also acknowledged that local forces will not be able to counter threats from extremists without US support.