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.
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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).
