Trump Pulls Most U.S. Troops From Somalia

Topline

President Donald Trump is withdrawing most U.S. troops stationed in Somalia by early next year, the Pentagon announced Friday evening, largely ending the United States’ direct counterterrorism presence in the country weeks before President-elect Joe Biden takes office.

Key Facts

Crucial Quote

“While a change in force posture, this action is not a change in U.S. policy,” the Pentagon said in a statement.

Key Background

For 13 years, the United States has maintained Special Operations Forces in Somalia to train local troops and assist in targeted missions against al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group that conducts deadly attacks and seeks to overthrow the government. In particular, the U.S. military has helped to train the country’s elite Danab Brigade, which targets al-Shabab operatives and works to wrest territory from the group’s control. But Trump has reportedly pushed to end the United States’ presence in the country, part of a larger effort to withdraw from foreign conflicts.

Tangent

Two weeks ago, Trump also announced major drawdowns in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Pentagon will cut troop levels in Afghanistan roughly in half by next month, leaving just 2,500 personnel in the country as the longest war in U.S. history gradually winds down, and Iraq will see a reduction from 3,000 troops to 2,500. Trump made these moves shortly after firing Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, who reportedly opposed the drawdowns.

Chief Critic

Some observers warn a U.S. withdrawal from Somalia could endanger efforts to combat extremism in the country. U.S. officials told CNN the Danab Brigade, currently a fairly small unit, needs several years to grow its ranks and become capable of fighting al-Shabab in every corner of the country. If the United States leaves before then, the Danab Brigade could struggle to fill in the gaps, possibly emboldening al-Shabab, experts told New York Times.

Further Reading

Trump Orders All American Troops Out of Somalia (New York Times)

Somalia Worries That a U.S. Withdrawal Will Be Disastrous (New York Times)