US to build 5 military bases in Somalia for launching operations against Al-Shabaab -

Washington/Mogadishu – Russia and Somalia signed an agreement last May to enhance defence cooperation. The deal indicates that Russia will supply arms to Somalia and deploy the military there. Against this background, the US has become active again in Somalia and also made preparations to build five military bases there. US sources also claim these military bases will be created for Somalia’s military.

On Thursday, the US and Somalia signed a defence agreement in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu. According to this agreement, the US will provide necessary assistance to increase the capacity of the Somali army. It also includes assisting the counter-operation of the terrorist organisation Al-Shabaab. Further, the US says constructing five new military bases is also part of the same.

The Danab Brigade was formed in 2017 under an agreement between the US and Somalia. The US Army trained three thousand Somali soldiers who joined this brigade. Moreover, the Danab Brigade was created as a quick response force to protest against the threat of Al-Shabaab. It is said that the new bases built by the US will also act as bases for the Danab Brigade.

Moreover, the US claims that Al-Shabaab has been regaining strength in Somalia, located on the northeast side of the African continent, i.e. Horn of Africa. The report released by the US Intelligence Agency and the United Nations (UN) has also highlighted the growing threat of Al-Shabaab. Additionally, the report drew attention to last year’s attack on a Ugandan military base in Somalia in addition to the attacks launched on the Somalian military.

Since 2006, Al-Shabaab has been trying to oust Somalia’s pro-Western regime. The African Union (AU) deployed its military in this country to save the government of Somalia. At least 20,000 African Union troops were deployed under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). These include soldiers from neighbouring African countries like Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.

On the other hand, Russia is trying to gain a foothold in Somalia, and the defence agreement signed last year is considered a part of it. Apart from this, Russia will supply weapons to the Somali military for the operations against Al-Shabaab. Also, Russia is insisting on deploying its military in the port of Berbera in Somalia, and there are claims that Somalia has shown preparedness for the same. It may be easier for Russia to track the maritime traffic in the Red Sea region through this route. However, Russia can also use it to monitor the military activities of the US. Against this background, the US’ preparation to build five new military bases in Somalia becomes significant.

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