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Somalia renews its US-backed fight against al-Shabab militant group
The offensive targets al-Shabab leadership and bomb networks with U.S. airstrikes and Somali ground forces as African Union peacekeepers withdraw after nearly two decades.
- Recently, Somali federal government and troops with U.S. Africa Command airstrikes shifted momentum by reclaiming territory and targeting al-Shabab militant group leadership and bomb-making networks.
- With African Union peacekeepers withdrawing, Somalia assumes greater security responsibility while President Joe Biden approved U.S. forces' 2022 redeployment, making coordination with international partners critical.
- Omar Ali Abdi, Somalia's state minister for defense, said Somali troops have retaken areas in Lower Shabelle, Hiiraan, Middle Shabelle, and parts of Jubbaland, while joint operations with regional Darawiish forces and Danab special forces killed dozens and seized vehicles.
- The government plans to rebuild homes and deliver aid in newly captured areas to prevent al-Shabab from reestablishing control, while rights groups criticize past U.S. strikes over civilian casualties and AFRICOM investigates allegations.
- Analysts warn that territorial control remains fluid, particularly in rural regions of central and southern Somalia, while Somali officials say operations will continue with international partners combining offensives and reconstruction.
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Associated Press News+16 Reposted by 16 other sources
Somalia renews its US-backed fight against al-Shabab militant group. Here is why it matters
Somalia’s government says U.S.-backed airstrikes and expanded ground operations have shifted momentum in its long-running war against the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab militant group.
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Total News Sources17
Leaning Left4Leaning Right0Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution71% Center
Bias Distribution
- 71% of the sources are Center
71% Center
L 29%
C 71%
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