According to the US press, the Pentagon is considering sending several dozen special forces to fight the Islamic Shebab terrorists. A decision that would abolish the sudden return of the 700 US troops permanently based in Somalia, until former President Trump decided on a total withdrawal in January.
as reported from Nairobi, Sebastien nemeth
When it comes to terrorism, Joe Biden seems to want to break with Donald Trump. Upon arrival, the new US president ordered a complete overhaul of the rules of engagement. In the meantime, every bombing must be approved by the White House.
Thus, there have been no drone strikes in Somalia since January 20, when they reached records under Donald Trump. A verdict criticized by experts who believe that the Shebabs have regained mobility to carry out attacks.
Then the Americans trained the elite Somali troops. “Withdrawal ordered by previous administration has created a security problem when the national army can not fight the Islamists on its own, says an observer. He adds that the country has about 12,000 soldiers instead of the 22,000 planned, with a significant deficit that means that the government can not project itself far from the capital.
A possible return of American soldiers to Somalia could therefore liberate the power and the foreign partners. According to a diplomat, this would also serve to counteract the growing attempts at Chinese and Russian influence. “If the United States withdraws for too long, we run the risk of traditional donors such as the European Union being withdrawn,” said a good source. We are now waiting to see what the new American fight against terrorism will be. In any case, the investigation requested by Joe Biden, which was to last for 60 days, is still ongoing five months later.
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