Thursday, March 30, 2017

U.S. To Ramp-Up Military Operations Against Al-Shabaab In Somalia

New recruits belonging to Somalia's al-Qaeda-linked al Shabaab rebel group march during a passing out parade at a military training base in Afgoye, west of the capital Mogadishu February 17, 2011. REUTERS/Feisal Omar

Reuters: Trump grants U.S. military more authority to attack militants in Somalia

The White House has granted the U.S. military broader authority to carry out strikes in Somalia against al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militants, the Pentagon said on Thursday, the latest sign President Donald Trump is increasing U.S. military engagement in the region.

Last Friday, the head of U.S. forces in Africa said that greater ability to fight the militants would lead to more flexibility and quicker targeting.

Al Shabaab has been able to carry out deadly bombings despite losing most of its territory to African Union peacekeepers supporting the Somali government. The group's insurgency aims to drive out the peacekeepers, topple Somalia's western-backed government and impose its strict version of Islam on the Horn of Africa state.

The United States has a small presence in Somalia and is allowed to carry out strikes in defense of partnered forces.

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More News On The U.S. Ramping-Up Military Operations Against Al-Shabaab In Somalia

Trump signs off on the Pentagon carrying out offensive strikes in Somalia -- Washington Post
Trump Eases Combat Rules in Somalia -- NYT
Pentagon gets OK for more aggressive airstrikes in Somalia -- AP
US beefs up muscle in Somalia fight -- BBC
Trump approves plan to ramp up Somalia anti-terror campaign -- CNN
Trump gives military more authority to launch Somalia strikes -- The Hill
Trump OKs ramped-up airstrikes against al-Shabaab in Somalia -- FOX News
Trump Approves Increased Precision Strikes Against Al-Shabaab in Somalia -- Sputnik

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