President Trump to support Somalia’s war on terror
The Somali government continues its offensive against the militants on multiple fronts, with international partners providing critical support to security forces.
US President Donald Trump has vowed to boost Somalia's ongoing counterterrorism operations while preventing Houthi rebels from gaining influence in the Horn of Africa nation. In a social media post, Trump issued a stark warning to terrorist groups operating in the region.
"Our elite forces will hunt down terrorists wherever they hide - there will be no escape from American justice," Trump said on X (formerly Twitter). "We stand with the Somali people in preventing Houthi infiltration and eradicating terrorism to bring prosperity to their nation."
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The US military currently supports Somali forces in their campaign against Al-Shabaab militants in southern Somalia, while allies like the United Arab Emirates assist Puntland's fight against ISIS in the north.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had said Somalia is prepared to offer the United States exclusive control of strategic air bases and ports in a letter to President Donald Trump, seen by Reuters.
In the March 16 letter, authenticated by a regional diplomat with knowledge of the matter, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said the assets included air bases in Balidogle and Berbera as well as the ports of Berbera and Bosaso.
"These strategically positioned assets provide an opportunity to bolster American engagement in the region, ensuring uninterrupted military and logistical access while preventing external competitors from establishing a presence in this critical corridor," the letter said.
Since President Hassan's re-election in May 2022, Somalia has pursued a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy combining military operations, financial disruption and prevention of youth radicalisation.
The Somali government continues its offensive against the militants on multiple fronts, with international partners providing critical support to security forces. The Trump administration's latest statements signal sustained US engagement in the region's counterterrorism efforts.
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