FTL Somalia

Anxiety in Somalia over Plans to Withdraw US Troops

Somalia has been rocked with anxiety as the United States announced plans to withdraw its troops from the country.

It was reported that President Donald Trump encouraged his security advisors to start planning to withdraw US troops from the East African nation.

International partners are worried that the withdrawal of US troops could leave them helpless, especially in the fight against terrorism.

US forces in Somalia have played a crucial role in providing aerial surveillance that African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troops rely on to wage successful wars against Al-Shabaab.

The US has a strong force of 600-800 soldiers in Somalia.

Its soldiers work closely with AMISOM and Somali National Army (SNA) troops to combat the influence and spread of Al-Shabaab and other extremist groups in the country.

Col. Charles Okong’o Ambiakha said that UN Security Council (UNSC) and AU Peace and Security Council would inform AMISOM what to do in case the withdrawal of US forces takes place.