According to the BBC, there are about 700 US troops in Somalia. The U.S. military is supporting the Somali government in its fight against al-Shabab and Islamic State militants. According to US defense officials, some troops in Somalia will be deployed in cross-border operations in neighboring countries.
Earlier, President Trump ordered the reduction of US troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Stating that US military intervention was costly and ineffective, Trump announced the withdrawal of US troops.
With this order, Donald Trump has also reversed the policy of former US Secretary of Defense Mark Asper.
Some world affairs experts have warned that the withdrawal of US troops from Somalia could lead to an increase in terrorist activity in Africa. Somalia’s lawmaker also said that the withdrawal of US troops would increase the activities of terrorist groups in the country and escalate violence.
