Somalia urges continued US military presence amid Trump’s withdrawal call

omali President Mohamed Farmaajo has called for continued partnership with the US in the war against terror in apparent response to media reports that Donald Trump was mulling troops pull-out from Somalia.

Farmaajo said US support was instrumental in fighting the Al-Shabaab menace and ensuring stability in the region.

“The United States military support to Somalia has enabled us to effectively combat Al-Shabab and secure the Horn of Africa,” Farmaajo said in a tweet.

“A victory through this journey and for Somali-US partnership can only be achieved through continuous security partnership and capacity building support.”

The President’s remarks come in the wake of US media reports that Trump had demanded a plan from the Pentagon on withdrawal of all troops from Somalia.

The US maintains close to 1000 soldiers in Somalia who train the Somali and AU forces and directly involved in combat with Al-Shabaab.

The US Africa Command has conducted several airstrikes targeting senior and mid-level Al-Shabaab commanders in Somalia. The command trains the Somali Special Forces brigade dubbed Danab.

source hiiraan