Showing posts with label u.s. somalia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label u.s. somalia. Show all posts

Thursday, March 2, 2023

U.S. Special Forces Continue to Train Somalis In Their Fight Against Al Shabab

FILE - US forces host a range day with the Danab Brigade in Somalia, May 9, 2021. 

DNYUZ/New York Times: U.S. Commandos Advise Somalis in Fight Against Qaeda Branch 

BALEDOGLE, Somalia — The promise and perils of America’s counterterrorism campaign were on full display at a remote training base in central Somalia.

It was graduation day for 346 recruits who would join an elite Somali commando unit trained by the State Department, advised by U.S. Special Operations forces, and backed by American air power. 

Since last August, the unit, called Danab, has spearheaded a string of Somali army victories against Al Shabab, an Islamist terrorist group that is considered the deadliest of Al Qaeda’s global branches.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The US military is also actively involved in other African countries .... U.S. Special Forces Launch Counter-Terrorism Drills With African Armies (Reuters).  

Update: Here is an interesting read from Rolling Stone .... How Many More Governments Will American-Trained Soldiers Overthrow? (Rolling Stone). 

It appears that the US record of training African soldiers has caused more problems than solutions .... 

 .... There have been at least seven coups led by soldiers who trained with Americans forces in Africa in recent years and the security situation only seems to be getting worse.

Monday, January 23, 2023

U.S. Air Strike Kills 30 al Shabaab Fighters

Al-Shabab is described by the US as a large terror network  

BBC: Al-Shabab: US air strike in Somalia 'kills 30 militants' 

A US air strike assisting government troops in Somalia has killed about 30 Islamist al-Shabab militants, the US military says. 

The operation happened near the town of Galcad, about 260km (162 miles) northeast of the capital Mogadishu. 

Over the past few days, the Somali army and al-Shabab militants have fought for control of the town. 

Friday's air strike came as the army was being attacked by more than 100 militants, the US Africa Command says. 

Earlier the Islamists killed seven soldiers after storming a military base in Galcad. Somalia's Information Ministry said dozens of the militants were killed.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: U.S. military says Somalia strike killed 30 al Shabaab fighters (Reuters)  

Update #2: US strike kills approximately 30 al-Shabaab fighters in Somalia (CNN).  

WNU Editor: There has been reports of heavy fighting throughout Somalia for the past week .... Somalia, extremists claim over 100 killed in intense battle (AP).

Monday, August 22, 2022

Biden Administration Increasing Drone Strikes In Somalia

A U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone sits on the tarmac of Creech Air Force Base in Nevada at dusk. (Photo: USAF)  

Common Dreams: Corporate Media Mostly Mum as US Strikes Kill at Least 20 in Somalia 

"This is a completely under-the-radar news story, one that was curiously absent from the headlines in all of the major newspapers this morning," wrote one expert after the latest U.S. strike on Somalia. 

Conflict monitors on Friday drew attention to a series of U.S. airstrikes in Somalia in recent months, attacks that have received relatively little attention in the American corporate media despite having reportedly killed more than 20 people. 

"If you were unaware that we were bombing Somalia, don't feel bad, this is a completely under-the-radar news story, one that was curiously absent from the headlines in all of the major newspapers this morning," wrote Kelley Beaucar Vlahos, a senior adviser at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. 

On Wednesday, Antiwar.com's Dave DeCamp reported that U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) launched its second strike on Somalia in a week. AFRICOM said its initial assessment found the attack, which occurred in Beledweyne and killed 13 fighters belonging to the al-Qaeda-linked Somali militant group al-Shabaab, and that no civilians were harmed.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: It has been a busy week for U.S. drone strikes in Somalia in the past week .... US air strike obliterates 13 al-Shabab terrorists in Somalia just days after bombing four jihadists who attacked Somali forces, local army officials say (Daily Mail). More here .... US bombs Somalia for the third time this summer (Responsible Statecraft), and here .... US picks up pace of airstrikes in Somalia (Long War Journal).

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

U.S. Troops Have Returned To Somalia

 

BBC: US troops back in Somalia to fight al-Shabab 

The US' decision to redeploy 500 troops to Somalia to help in the fight against militant Islamists is a clear sign of its support for new President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

The redeployment came after former US President Donald Trump ordered the withdrawal of the troops in December 2020 following years of strained relations with his predecessor Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed "Farmajo", who was voted out of office by Somalia's lawmakers. 

The US considered him to be a failure both in terms of governance and the campaign against Islamist militant groups al-Shabab and the much smaller Somali branch of the Islamic State (IS) group.  

Read more .... 

More News On U.S. Troops Returning To Somalia  

U.S. reinserts troops in Somalia after long-awaited elections are completed -- Long War Journal  

New Somali president calls for reconciliation as U.S. troops return -- Reuters  

US will soon redeploy troops in Somalia: the mission and key goals -- The Conversation  

Mission Mogadishu: Why US troops are back in Somalia -- BBC

Monday, May 16, 2022

President Biden Approves The Deployment Of Hundreds Of Special Forces Troops To Somalia

 

Daily Mail: REVEALED: Biden secretly approved plan to send BACK hundreds of special operations troops in Somalia after Trump removed nearly all 750 on the ground at the end of his term 

* Prior to Trump's withdrawal in December 2020, the U.S. forces had been there to help in the fight against the al-Qaeda-linked al Shabab 

* The insurgent group has sought to topple the government and establish its own Sharia rule in Somalia 

* In addition, Biden signed off on a Pentagon request to go on the offensive and target about a dozen suspected al Shabab leaders 

* An official declined to say how many troops would move into the country but said that it would be under 500 

President Biden signed off on a plan to redeploy several hundred troops to Somalia, reversing an order from President Trump that withdrew the 750 troops that had been stationed there to fight terrorism. 

Prior to Trump's withdrawal in December 2020, which thereafter allowed U.S. troops into the country only on a short rotational basis, the U.S. forces had been there to help in the fight against the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab, an insurgent group that has sought to topple the government and establish its own Sharia rule in Somalia.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: This deployment is in response to the latest Al Shabab attacks .... At Least 30 Burundian AU Soldiers Killed in Al-Shabab Attack, Official Says (VOA). 

President Biden Approves The Deployment Of Hundreds Of Special Forces Troops To Somalia  

Biden Approves Plan to Redeploy Several Hundred Ground Forces Into Somalia -- New York Times  

Biden Approves Redeployment of Under 500 Ground Troops to Somalia -- Reuters  

Reversing Trump, Biden acts to deploy US troops to Somalia -- AP  

Biden reestablishes US troop presence inside Somalia -- France 24  

Somalia: President Biden reverses Trump's withdrawal of US troops -- BBC  

Biden approves plan to redeploy US troops to Somalia -- DW  

Biden approves deployment of hundreds of US troops to Somalia -- Al Jazeera  

Biden sends US troops back to Somalia -- RT

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

U.S. Steps Up Air Strikes Against al-Shabab Militants In Somalia

VOA: US Military Targets Al-Shabab in Somalia With More Airstrikes 

The United States military has confirmed that it carried out another airstrike against al-Shabab militants, its third in less than two weeks.

Sunday’s strike was in support of Somali government forces in the vicinity of Qeycad, in the central Galmudug state, according to the U.S. military.

The Somali government earlier reported the strike was in an area where federal and U.S.-trained forces were fighting the militants. There was no word on whether militants were injured or killed. 

Read more ....  

Update: U.S. Steps Up Air Strikes Against al-Qaeda Ally in Somalia (Bloomberg)  

WNU Editor: It looks like the U.S. is back in Somalia.

Friday, July 23, 2021

US Launches More Airstrikes In Somalia

VOA: US Conducts More Airstrikes in Somalia 

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) carried out another airstrike in Somalia Friday, the second under the Biden administration after a nearly six-month hiatus from targeting the al-Qaida affiliate al-Shabab and Islamic State terror group. 

The U.S. military strike targeted al-Shabab in the vicinity of Qeycad, Galmudug, Somalia, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby confirmed to VOA and other reporters traveling aboard a U.S. military aircraft with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Friday’s strike supported partner forces “under collective self-defense,” Kirby said, adding that U.S. troops were not on the ground with Somali forces but were conducting a remote advise and assist mission with them. 

Further information was not provided due to “operational security.” A statement issued earlier Friday by the Somali government said the precision airstrike “destroyed al-Shabab fighters and weapons with zero civilian casualties.”  

Read more ....  

Update #1: U.S. military carries out second strike in Somalia this week (Reuters)  

Update #2: US launches second Somalia strike in week (The Hill)  

WNU Editor: Not everyone is supporting these air strikes .... Ilhan Omar Demands Answers From White House on Airstrike in Somalia (Newsweek).

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

For The First Time In His Presidency The Biden Administration Launches Airstrikes Against al-Shabaab In Somalia

A soldier walks past rubble in the aftermath of an attack on the Afrik Hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia, Feb. 1, 2021. Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the deadly assault.  

Military.com: US Bombs Extremist Group al-Shabaab in Somalia 

The United States on Tuesday carried out an airstrike in Somalia against the extremist group al-Shabaab. 

In a statement, Defense Department spokeswoman Cindi King said that U.S. Africa Command forces conducted a single airstrike against al-Shabaab near Galkayo, Somalia. 

King said the airstrike was carried out to support Somali National Army troops who were under attack by al-Shabaab fighters. 

No U.S. forces accompanied the Somalis during the operation, but they were remotely advising and assisting from another unidentified location, she added.  

Read more ....  

WNU editor: Here is an easy prediction. These air strikes will be the first of many. 

More News On Biden Administration Launches Airstrikes Against al-Shabaab In Somalia  

US Strikes Al-Shabab in Somalia for First Time in Six Months -- VOA  

Pentagon carries out first air strike in Somalia under Biden -- The Hill  

US carries out air strike in Somalia -- AAP 

Pentagon Confirms Conducting First Biden-Era Airstrike Against Al-Shabaab in Somalia - Report -- Sputnik

Thursday, June 17, 2021

Pentagon Preparing A Proposal To Send Special Operations Forces Back to Somalia

U.S. forces practice convoy training with the Danab Brigade in Somalia, May 4, 2021. (Staff Sgt. Zoe Russell/U.S. Air Force)  

Military.com/Stars and Stripes: Proposal Calls for Sending Special Operations Forces Back to Somalia, Report Says 

STUTTGART, Germany — U.S. military officials are preparing a proposal to send a special operations contingent back into Somalia, where security conditions have worsened in the months since nearly 700 troops were pulled out of the country, a news report said Tuesday. 

The plan, which would involve several dozen troops, hasn’t yet been formally presented to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, The New York Times reported. The newspaper cited unnamed Pentagon policymakers saying they want to step up counterterrorism efforts against militants aligned with al-Qaida.  

Read more ....  

Update: Pentagon Weighs Proposal to Send Dozens of Troops Back to Somalia (New York Times).  

WNU Editor: So much for the US getting out of the forever war in Somalia.

Thursday, April 29, 2021

US Troops Now ‘Commuting To Work’ To Help Somalia In Its Fight Against al-Shabab

Spc. Kevin Martin provides security for a 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules during unloading operations at an unidentified location in Somalia on June 28, 2020. (Tech. Sgt. Christopher Ruano/Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa via AP)  

Military Times: US troops now ‘commuting to work’ to help Somalia fight al-Shabab 

When President Donald Trump ordered roughly 700 U.S. troops to withdraw from Somalia late last year, it decreased the American footprint there, but not the mission to help that country’s military fight back against al-Shabab, al-Qaida’s largest affiliate. 

Three months after the completed drawdown, senior U.S. Africa Command leaders say that they are essentially doing the same work, but “commuting” from Europe and other East African countries to get it done. 

“There’s no denying that the repositioning of forces out of Somalia has introduced new layers of complexity and risk,” Army. Gen. Stephen Townsend, AFRICOM’s boss, told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday. “... our understanding of what’s happening in Somalia is less now than it was when we were there on the ground, physically located with our partners. 

So we’re working to make this new mode of operation work.” Al-Shabab continues to carry out attacks around Somalia, including in capital city Mogadishu.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The intent of former President Trump was to end the US military mission in Somalia and its mission. But elections have consequences, and now we are back to square one. 

My gut tells me that in the coming months the White House will be green-lighting the return of US troops back into their bases in Somalia to avoid this "commuting" hassle.

Saturday, February 27, 2021

An Intelligence Gathering "Ghost Plane" That Does Not Officially Exist Was Spotted In Somalia

Warzone/The Drive: Photo Emerges Of Shadowy Intelligence Gathering "Ghost Plane" In Somalia 

The modified Beechcraft King Air has a unique configuration and doesn't officially exist or belong to any real operator. 

For years, there has been very limited information available publicly about U.S. counter-terrorism operations in Somalia and the forces, based there and in neighboring countries, carrying them out. The repositioning of the bulk of American military forces out of this East African nation between December 2020 and January 2021, dubbed Operation Octave Quartz, highlighted those activities in a way that had not been previously seen. This has included the release of a significant number of what would have been previously been very rare pictures and video clips of U.S. personnel operating in and around the country. One picture that was recently released, seen at the top of this story, prominently shows what can be considered a "ghost aircraft." 

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: In one of his final acts as President, Trump ordered the withdrawal of US forces from Somalia .... Trump orders a near total withdrawal of US troops from Somalia (CNN). The appearance of this intelligence aircraft confirms (to me) that President Biden is listening to these "experts" .... Trump’s Withdrawal From Somalia Is a Security Threat. Biden Should Reverse It. (Foreign Policy)

Monday, December 28, 2020

Aircraft Carrier USS Nimitz Arrives Off The Coast Of Somalia

The Nimitz Strike Group, led by the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, is off the East African coast to provide cover for U.S. ground troops relocating from Somalia. Photo courtesy of AFRICOM 


The USS Nimitz recently reached the Horn of Africa in support of troop movements in Somalia and surrounding countries and to help maintain pressure on terrorist groups in the region, the United States Africa Command announced Monday. 

The Bremerton-based aircraft carrier, already eight months into a journey that has taken the warship around Asia, the Middle East and now to Africa, is supporting "Operation Octave Quartz," in helping relocate military personnel while standing watch against al-Shabaab insurgents, an al-Qaida-aligned terrorist group. 

Read more .... 


WNU Editor: This deployment is happening because of this .... U.S. Forces Begin To Leave Somalia (December 19, 2020).

Saturday, December 19, 2020

U.S. Forces Begin To Leave Somalia

 


(CNN)US forces that had been positioned in Somalia have begun their withdrawal from the country and redirected to other bases in East Africa. 

"I directed the activation of a joint task force, JTF-Quartz, built around the headquarters of Special Operations Command-Africa, to oversee Operation Octave Quartz, the directed re-positioning of U.S. forces from Somalia to other bases in East Africa," said Gen. Stephen Townsed, the commander of US Africa Command, in a statement Saturday. 

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump ordered the majority of US troops to leave Somalia "by early 2021," in just one of the major military policy decisions being taken in the final days of his administration.  



WNU Editor: It is time to leave .... It’s Long Past Time To Get U.S. Troops All The Way Out Of Somalia (Daniel L. Davis, The federalist).

Friday, December 4, 2020

President Trump Orders U.S. Military Withdrawal From Somalia

 


Nearly all of 700 troops will leave over next few months follow president’s latest order with short notice 

The US will pull out nearly all its estimated 700 troops in Somalia over the next few months, the latest in a series of short-notice withdrawals ordered by Donald Trump in his last few weeks in power. 

A Pentagon statement on Friday said that some of the troops would be repositioned in neighbouring countries while others – it did not say how many – would leave the region altogether. 

Read more .... 

 More News On President Trump Ordering A U.S. Military Withdrawal From Somalia 

Trump Orders U.S. Withdrawal From Somalia -- US News and World Report 

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Pentagon Preparing To Pull All Soldiers From Somalia

© CC0 

Reuters: Trump may withdraw troops from Somalia as part of global pullback

WASHINGTON/NAIROBI (Reuters) - President Donald Trump may withdraw nearly all U.S. troops from Somalia as part of a global pullback that includes reductions of forces in Afghanistan and Iraq, U.S. officials said on Tuesday. 

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said nothing had been finalized and that no orders for Somalia have been received by the U.S. military. But there appeared to be a growing expectation that drawdown orders would be coming soon. 

The Pentagon on Tuesday announced that Trump will reduce U.S. forces in Afghanistan from 4,500 to 2,500 by Jan. 15, just five days before his term ends, and cut U.S. forces in Iraq by 500 to the same level. 

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: Reports that the White House will order all US soldiers out of Somalia have been circling for the past few weeks. And as predicted. The US foreign policy establishment are voicing their disapproval .... Trump's Plan to Withdraw From Somalia Couldn't Come at a Worse Time (Foreign Policy) 

More News On Reports That The Pentagon Is Preparing To Pull All Soldiers From Somalia 

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

President Trump Wants All U.S. Troops Out Of Somalia

Bloomberg: Trump Demands a Plan to Withdraw U.S. Troops From Somalia 

 * U.S. has about 700 troops in troubled eastern African nation 
 * Terrorist group al-Shabaab could benefit from troop reduction 

President Donald Trump has told top advisers he wants to withdraw U.S. troops from Somalia, according to people familiar with the matter, allowing him to make good on campaign pledges to bring soldiers home even though the country remains beset by insurgents linked to al-Qaeda. 

The Pentagon has begun drafting plans for the president, and discussions have involved National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien, Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley, according to the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private deliberations. 

The U.S. has 650 to 800 troops in Somalia, according to the U.S. Africa Command, including special forces that are helping train Somalia’s army. 

All or almost all were sent during Trump’s presidency. Somalia President Mohamed Abdullahi said in an interview that he’d like U.S. forces to stay, adding that he believes his country, with U.S. assistance, is on the brink of defeating the al Shabaab insurgents. 

Read more .... 

 More News On President Trump Wanting All U.S. Troops Out Of Somalia 

Monday, September 7, 2020

Three Somali Special Forces Killed, US Officer Wounded In Al-Shabaab Car Bomb Attack

A US service member was injured Monday when al-Shabaab attacked US and Somali forces in the vicinity of Jana Cabdalle, Somalia, US Africa Command said in a statement.

CNN: US service member injured in Al-Shabaab attack in Somalia

(CNN)A US service member was injured in Somalia Monday when Al-Shabaab attacked US and Somali forces, according to the US military.

Al-Shabaab attacked the forces using "a vehicle employed as an improvised explosive device and mortar fire," US Africa Command said in a statement. The injured service member is in stable condition and is receiving treatment for injuries that are not assessed to be life-threatening. The US military also said at least one Al-Shabaab fighter was killed during the attack.

"One U.S. service member was injured in an attack by Al-Shabaab this morning in the vicinity of Jana Cabdalle, Somalia. U.S. and Somali forces were conducting an advise, assist and accompany mission when Al-Shabaab attacked using a vehicle employed as an improvised explosive device and mortar fire," Col. Chris Karns, director of US Africa Command Public Affairs, said in a statement.

Read more ....

More News On Three Somali Special Forces Killed, US Officer Wounded In Al-Shabaab Car Bomb Attack

Three Somali special forces killed, US officer wounded in car bomb -Somali official -- Reuters
Truck Bomb in Somalia Kills 3 and Wounds 3, Including a U.S. Soldier -- New York Times
US service member injured in Somalia in attack carried out by al-Shabab -- FOX News
1 U.S. service member in stable condition after being wounded by al-Shabab attack in Somalia -- Air Force Times

Sunday, March 8, 2020

Is Somalia Becoming America's New ‘Endless War’?


SCMP/AFP: Is Somalia the Pentagon’s new ‘endless war’?

* There have been at least 20 US strikes against militants in Somalia this year
* Despite air strikes, al-Shabab appears to be a growing threat

The Pentagon has been issuing near daily announcements of new strikes against the Islamic militants of al-Shabab in Somalia, seemingly without affecting the al-Qaeda affiliate’s ability to destabilise the country, in what is looking like a new “endless war” for the United States.

The Trump administration’s plans to reduce its military presence in Africa while re-centering its efforts toward two key strategic competitors – China and Russia – are coming at the expense of French-led operations against jihadists in the Sahel region.

So far, however, the war of attrition against al-Shabab has continued unabated.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: For as long as I can remember the U.S. has had a certain presence in Somalia. But the military aspect of this presence has certainly intensified this year, and according to the Pentagon, the mission now is to degrade Al-Shabaab as an effective fighting force by the end of the year. I agree with this analysis that the U.S. will not succeed .... US unlikely to meet schedule for 'degrading' Al Shabaab (Daily Nation).

Monday, September 30, 2019

Al-Shabab Suicide Bomber And Gunmen Attack US Drone Base In Somalia. European Convoy Also Attacked

Italian and Somali security forces guarding the scene of the attack on an Italian military convoy in Mogadishu. Photograph: Feisal Omar/Reuters

Daily Mail: Al-Shabab suicide bomber and gunmen attack US drone base in Somalia at the same time as Italian peacekeepers are ambushed in Mogadishu

* Suicide bomber in a car blew themselves up at gate to Belidogle military base
* Gun attackers then flooded inside but have been pushed back, officers claimed
* Meanwhile suicide bomber also attacked convoy of Italian troops in the capital
* Blast missed the soldiers but injured several Somali citizens nearby

Al-Shabaab jihadis have launched twin attacks on US and Italian troops in Somalia.

A suicide bomber in a car blew himself up at the gates to a US drone base at Belidogle, in the south of the country, on Monday before gunmen swarmed inside.

Meanwhile a suicide bomber attempted to blow up a convoy of European Union peacekeepers in the capital Mogadishu.

Read more ....

More News On Today's Al-Shabaab Attacks In Somalia

Extremists launch 2 attacks on military targets in Somalia -- ABC News/AP
Somali militants attack US drone base and European convoy -- The Guardian
US military base, Italian military convoy attacked in Somalia -- Al Jazeera
Somalia: Jihadists attack US Baledogle training base -- BBC
Somali attacks hit EU military convoy, US base -- DW
Car bomber hits US military base in Somalia -- The Hill

Saturday, April 13, 2019

Report: U.S. Military Mission In Somalia Is Likely To Not Be Completed Until 2026

Somali national army soldiers stand in formation during a logistics course graduation ceremony. Soldiers from Somali's advanced infantry DANAB battalion spent 14 weeks training with the U.S. 10th Mountain division on the importance of logistical operation as well as the operation and maintenance of heavy equipment. (Photo by MC2 (SW/AW) Evan Parker. Released)

CNN: US military mission in Somalia could take seven years to complete

(CNN) This week President Donald Trump signed an executive order extending a presidential declaration of a national emergency concerning Somalia for another year, calling the Islamist insurgency plaguing that country an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to the US.

But even if that is the last extension of the declaration, US defense officials say the mission in the country is likely to take years to complete.

The fight there hinges on US Special Operations Forces being able to train an elite Somali army unit capable of defeating al Qaeda-linked militants on the ground. The commitment to the East African nation comes after the President has signaled a desire to reduce US troop levels across the globe and as the administration is in the process of withdrawing forces from Syria.

While officials say the effort is making progress, they tell CNN that the US training mission is likely to not be completed until 2026.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Seven more years?!?!?!