Biden Redeploys Under 500 Troops In Somalia

After the United States pulled out its troops from war-ravaged Somalia during Donald Trump's tenure, U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday authorised the redeployment of fewer than 500 American troops in the African country.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters; "This is a repositioning of forces already in the theater who have traveled in and out of Somalia on an episodic basis,"

Prior to Trump's withdrawal, the U.S. had about 700 troops in Somalia focused on helping local forces defeat the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab terrorist group.

The Daily Sabah added that a senior administration official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Biden had approved the request from U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to enable a more effective fight against al-Shabab.

While the U.S. did not have troops in Somalia since Trump ordered their withdrawal in December 2020, the military has occasionally carried out strikes in the country and has had troops in nearby countries.