US Presence in Africa: Redeploying Several Hundred Ground Forces Into Somalia

The U.S. under Biden takes a more active role in fighting Al Shabab, aiming to suppress its ability to plot and carry out complicated operations, such as the deadly attack on an American air base at Manda Bay, Kenya, in January 2020. The group sought to impose its extremist version of Islam on the chaotic Horn of Africa country.

This marks a return to heavier U.S. engagement in Somalia, replacing a strategy in which the U.S. troops mainly train and advise Somali and African Union forces.

In addition, Mr. Biden has approved a Pentagon request for standing authority to target about a dozen suspected leaders of Al Shabab, the Somali terrorist group that is affiliated with Al Qaeda, three of the officials said. Since Mr. Biden took office, airstrikes have largely been limited to those meant to defend partner forces facing an immediate threat.

New York Times. MORE >> The U.S. is back in Somalia.