Joe Biden sending US troops back to Somalia after Donald Trump pulled out
- The US president has also given the defence department authority to target about a dozen suspected leaders of the Somali al-Qaeda affiliate known as al-Shabab
- The moves breathes new life into a two-decade-long global fight against terrorist groups that began following the September 11 attacks
US President Joe Biden has authorised the US military to send Special Operations troops back to Somalia on a “persistent” basis to revive a counterterrorism mission that was ended during Donald Trump’s administration, the White House announced on Monday.
Biden also gave the defence department authority to target about a dozen suspected leaders of the Somali al-Qaeda affiliate known as al-Shabab, according to one US official, who requested anonymity to discuss the matter before it was publicly announced.
Fewer than 500 US troops are expected to be sent to Somalia, mostly from postings elsewhere in East Africa, according to another official who briefed reporters Monday.
al-Shabab “remains a threat, and in fact the threat is increasing,” defence department spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Monday.
The US has been sending forces into the country when needed, Kirby said, but “the advise-and-assist mission works best” when “you’re on-site” and can work continually with local fighters.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the “small but persistent presence” was deemed necessary “to maximise the safety and effectiveness of our force”.
