‘Almost all’ US troops to leave Somalia
(FILES) In this file photo taken on May 12, 2017, US soldiers sit in a tank type 'M1A2 SEP' during the exercise 'Strong Europe Tank Challenge 2017' at the exercise area in Grafenwoehr, Germany. - Germany on June 7, 2020, voiced concern at reports that US President Donald Trump plans to cut the number of US troops stationed in Germany, amid fears it could weaken a key pillar of NATO defence in the region. (Photo by Christof STACHE / AFP)
Almost all US troops are scheduled to leave Somalia by the end of Friday 15 January.
The US military would not comment on the redeployment of the 700-strong contingent, but said its commitment to Somalia would remain undiminished and it would continue to monitor the activities of the Islamist militant group, al-Shabab.
The most recent US intervention in Somalia began in 2007, and its troops have mainly been assisting in the training of the federal army.
But US special forces have killed a number of al-Shabab leaders through a series of air and drone strikes, cruise missile launches and even a helicopter-borne commando raid.
