SCMP/AFP: Is Somalia the Pentagon’s new ‘endless war’?
* There have been at least 20 US strikes against militants in Somalia this year
* Despite air strikes, al-Shabab appears to be a growing threat
The Pentagon has been issuing near daily announcements of new strikes against the Islamic militants of al-Shabab in Somalia, seemingly without affecting the al-Qaeda affiliate’s ability to destabilise the country, in what is looking like a new “endless war” for the United
States.
The Trump administration’s plans to reduce its military presence in Africa while re-centering its efforts toward two key strategic competitors – China and Russia – are coming at the expense of French-led operations against jihadists in the Sahel region.
So far, however, the war of attrition against al-Shabab has continued unabated.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: For as long as I can remember the U.S. has had a certain presence in Somalia. But the military aspect of this presence has certainly intensified this year, and according to the Pentagon, the mission now is to degrade Al-Shabaab as an effective fighting force by the end of the year. I agree with this analysis that the U.S. will not succeed .... US unlikely to meet schedule for 'degrading' Al Shabaab (Daily Nation).
The Trump administration’s plans to reduce its military presence in Africa while re-centering its efforts toward two key strategic competitors – China and Russia – are coming at the expense of French-led operations against jihadists in the Sahel region.
So far, however, the war of attrition against al-Shabab has continued unabated.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: For as long as I can remember the U.S. has had a certain presence in Somalia. But the military aspect of this presence has certainly intensified this year, and according to the Pentagon, the mission now is to degrade Al-Shabaab as an effective fighting force by the end of the year. I agree with this analysis that the U.S. will not succeed .... US unlikely to meet schedule for 'degrading' Al Shabaab (Daily Nation).
