US to withdraw majority of forces from Somalia by early 2021 - China.org.cn

The Pentagon said on Friday that President Donald Trump had ordered to pull the majority of U.S. military forces out of Somalia by early 2021.

"As a result of this decision, some forces may be reassigned outside of East Africa. However, the remaining forces will be repositioned from Somalia into neighboring countries in order to allow cross-border operations by both U.S. and partner forces to maintain pressure against violent extremist organizations operating in Somalia," the Pentagon said in a statement.

The statement downplayed this move as a change in U.S. force posture rather than a change in policy. "The U.S. will retain the capability to conduct targeted counterterrorism operations in Somalia, and collect early warnings and indicators regarding threats to the homeland," it added.

The United States reportedly has roughly 700 troops stationed in Somalia to assist local forces against al-Shabaab, a terrorist group linked to al-Qaeda.

Trump's intention to withdraw troops from Somalia has emerged in media reports for weeks. Somali President Mohamed Farmajo signaled his concern about this move back in mid-October.