Somalia
US President Donald Trump has ordered the removal of American soldiers from Somalia by early 2021.
According to the Pentagon, nearly 700 US soldiers are currently deployed in Somalia. Their responsibility include conducting training with local forces — comprised of the elite Danab special forces — and assisting them in their fight against the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab militant group in counterterrorism missions.
The Pentagon statement on Friday added that the US is not "withdrawing" or "disengaging" from Africa and that some forces could be reassigned outside of East Africa.
It said it the US will instead "retain the capability to conduct targeted counterterrorism operations in Somalia, and collect early warnings and indicators regarding threats to the homeland."
Trump had recently ordered similar troop withdrawals from Germany, Afghanistan and Iraq.
The troop cut from Somalia is the latest in a planned global pullback of US personnel before Trump leaves office in January.
01:04
Kenya proposes treaty to ease Somalia-Ethiopia tensions
01:16
Russian forces kill two terror suspects in North Caucasus operation
00:51
Moscow attack: Russia arrests more attack plotters
00:59
Somalia parliament passes bill allowing President appoint PM
Go to video
Nigerian parents reunites with their children who were in captivity
Go to video
Burkina Faso's civilian casualties rise