US Confirms Troop Withdrawal From Key Counterterrorism Base in Somalia

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MOGADISHU, Somalia — The United States has officially confirmed that its forces have withdrawn from the Baledogle military airfield in southern Somalia after the runway deteriorated to a point where landing military aircraft became unsafe.

U.S. Africa Command Deputy Commander Gen. John Brennan said the condition of the runway had continued to worsen, making it increasingly dangerous for military aircraft to operate from the facility. Repairing the airstrip would require tens of millions of dollars, according to the report.

“The runway at the airfield was deteriorating to the point where it became dangerous to land aircraft there,” Brennan said, adding that Washington would continue providing military support to Somali security forces.

The confirmation came days after the U.S. military newspaper Stars and Stripes reported that all American troops had left the Baledogle base, located about 60 miles (96 kilometers) northwest of Mogadishu.

Baledogle has long served as a strategic hub for U.S. military operations in Somalia, playing a key role in intelligence gathering, supporting airstrikes against al-Shabab militants and training Somali forces fighting the insurgent group.

The withdrawal marks a significant change in the American military presence at the facility, particularly as Washington had invested in upgrading the base in recent years. Those efforts included plans for medical facilities, troop accommodation and improved security infrastructure intended to support long-term military operations.

The U.S. military presence in Somalia has undergone several changes over the past decade.

In late 2020, then-President Donald Trump ordered the withdrawal of nearly 700 American troops from Somalia. However, in May 2022, President Joe Biden reversed the decision, authorizing the return of hundreds of troops to strengthen support for Somali forces and counterterrorism operations against al-Shabab.

Despite the departure from Baledogle, Washington has indicated that its military partnership with Somalia will continue, suggesting that the move does not signal an end to U.S. security assistance.

The development comes as Somalia continues to rely on international military support in its fight against al-Shabab, which has waged an insurgency against the federal government for more than 15 years.

GAROWE ONLINE