U.S. Troops to Extend Somalia Stay Amidst ISIS, Al-Shabaab Threats 

Somali national army soldiers stand in formation during a logistics course graduation ceremony. Soldiers from Somali's advanced infantry DANAB battalion spent 14 weeks training with the U.S. 10th Mountain division on the importance of logistical operation as well as the operation and maintenance of heavy equipment. (Photo by MC2 (SW/AW) Evan Parker. Released) Evan Parker/Defense Media Activity

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The US Africa Command troops could remain in Somalia a little longer than anticipated, with special consideration on the ongoing war against the IS-Somalia and Al-Shabaab militants, who have caused havoc in the Horn of Africa region.

Pete Hegseth, the Defence Secretary was open on the possibility of the US military remaining in Africa, despite plans during Donald Trump's first administration to withdraw them from around the world as a 'cost-saving' strategy.

"Africa is very much the front lines of a fight from Islamists," Hegseth said. "We're not going to allow them to maintain a foothold, especially to try to strike at America."

Currently, the US has close to 500 soldiers in Somalia who are instrumental in the fight against Al-Shabaab and ISIS militants, who are raging havoc to security teams and innocent civilians.

“I want to listen to the commanders on the ground, first and foremost," Hegseth said, adding that while the U.S. will keep forces where they are needed, there’s a preference to “do counterterrorism effectively over the horizon.”

Earlier this month, U.S. airstrikes targeted a senior Islamic State planner in Somalia’s Golis mountains. On Tuesday, the US Africa Command identified the planner as Ahmed Maeleninine believed to have been in charge of recruitment.

Towards the end of last year, the US military also made a series of airstrikes against the rival Al-Shabaab group, leaving several militants dead. The US Africa Command provides aerial surveillance for the Somalia National Army during combats.

World leaders are making a mistake if they conclude that an effort by U.S. President Donald Trump to review America’s global military posture means Washington is pulling back, Hegseth added.

"We would be remiss in not reviewing force posture everywhere, but it would be the wrong planning assumption to say America's abandoning something or America's leaving,” Hegseth said.

“No, America's smart to observe, plan, prioritize, and project power where we need to deter conflict,” he added.

GAROWE ONLINE