Politico | Donald Trump orders withdrawal of majority of US troops from Somalia
- The Pentagon said some troops may be reassigned outside East Africa
- ‘The President’s decision to withdraw forces from Somalia is a surrender to al Qaeda and a gift to China,’ said Republican Jim Langevin
This story is published in a content partnership with POLITICO. It was originally reported by Connor O’Brien on politico.com on December 4, 2020.
President Donald Trump has ordered the withdrawal of the majority of US troops from Somalia by early next year, the Pentagon announced on Friday.
An estimated 700 US troops are stationed in Somalia to assist the government in its fight against al-Shabab, a terrorist group with links to al Qaeda.
Friday’s announcement marks the latest effort by the Trump administration to reduce US troop presence abroad in the president's final weeks in office. The administration is also forging ahead with plans to drop to 2,500 troops in both Iraq and Afghanistan by January 15.
A troop reduction in the East African country had been anticipated in recent weeks. The move is likely to draw criticism on Capitol Hill, where politicians have opposed Pentagon efforts to reduce US troops levels for the already modestly resourced US Africa Command.
The Pentagon said some troops may be reassigned outside East Africa, while other forces will move from Somalia to neighbouring countries “to allow cross-border operations by both US and partner forces to maintain pressure against violent extremist organisations.”