Al-Shabaab is a major threat in the Horn of Africa region. However, its full impact is not limited to this region alone. The militia is also capable of being a formidable challenge and threat to the United States and American interests all over the world.
According to the Department of Defense, the US has not enjoyed as much success against Al-Shabaab as it would have liked. Consequently, it says the militants are likely to “expand their territories.”
Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda affiliate, has wrecked havoc in Somalia and East Africa for the last ten years or so. In the process, they have killed more than 4,000 people through deadly bomb attacks. The US has partnered with East African countries to fight the militia.
United States Army sent more than 500 of its elite troops into the region to help the Somali National Army carry out successful attacks against Al-Shabaab. The troops equipped SNA with logistical support. They also trained the country’s special forces.
For all their efforts, the DoD notes that Al-Shabaab remains active in the region. The militants continue to carry out deadly attacks in not only Somalia but also the entire region. Al-Shabaab does this as a way of destabilizing AMISOM and FGS troops.