[ad_1]
A reduction in troops in the East African country was expected in recent weeks. The move is likely to draw criticism on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers have opposed Pentagon efforts to reduce US troop levels for the already modestly resourced US Africa command.
The Pentagon said some troops could be reassigned outside East Africa, while other forces will move from Somalia to neighboring countries “to allow cross-border operations by both US and partner forces to maintain pressure against extremist organizations. violent “.
The Pentagon said the move does not reflect a “withdrawal or disengagement from Africa” and that it will not harm counterterrorism operations in Somalia.
“Although it is a change in the position of the forces, this action is not a change in US policy,” the Pentagon said.
“The United States will retain the ability to conduct targeted counter-terrorism operations in Somalia, and will gather early warnings and indicators of threats to the homeland,” he added.
The news was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. The announcement was quickly panned by a major lawmaker overseeing US Special Operations Forces, who called the move a win-win for China and terrorist groups in Africa.
“The president’s decision to withdraw forces from Somalia is a surrender to al Qaeda and a gift to China,” said Congressman Jim Langevin (DR.I.), who chairs the panel of House Armed Services Intelligence and Emerging Threats and Capabilities.
The withdrawal of US troops could make it more difficult for aid workers and diplomats on the ground to help resolve conflicts peacefully, he said, and could have a political cost.
“Al Shabaab will send our withdrawal as a victory, which could push some of their political affiliates into government,” Langevin warned. “In the meantime, China will seize the opportunity to strengthen its influence in the region, to the detriment of those who care about representative governance and equality.”
Source link
