Summary
The United States has increased its air strikes in Somalia, targeting armed groups like al-Shabaab and ISIL since President Donald Trump took office again. These strikes have surpassed the totals of previous administrations, and concerns about civilian casualties have been raised. The operations are intended to support Somali government efforts against these groups, with more authority granted to military commanders for launching attacks.
Key Facts
- The U.S. has conducted 111 air strikes in Somalia since President Trump returned to office.
- The strikes aim at groups like al-Shabaab and ISIL, with a focus on regions in Somalia where these groups are active.
- The increase in strikes began in February and has already exceeded the totals of past presidents Bush, Obama, and Biden.
- The U.S. military and Somalia’s government are working together to fight these armed groups, with U.S. troops assisting on the ground.
- A policy change by the U.S. Defense Secretary allows military leaders to carry out strikes without prior White House approval.
- Concerns have been raised about civilian casualties resulting from these intensified operations.
- Somalia’s war with these groups was the third-deadliest conflict in Africa last year, with thousands of people killed.
- The New America Foundation and other sources have reported incidents of civilian deaths linked to these strikes.
