The Pentagon has reported the withdrawal of almost all US military personnel from Somalia

According to The Wall Street Journal, there are about 700 US military personnel in the country, some of whom will be sent to bases in Kenya and Djibouti

American leader Donald Trump has ordered the withdrawal of almost all US troops from Somalia by early 2021. This was said in a statement issued by the Pentagon on Friday.

It notes that the head of the White House has ordered the “transfer of most of the military” from the country, including to neighbouring countries. The statement stresses that “the United States is not leaving Africa”. Washington intends to continue to support its partners, including in the fight against extremist groups. The U.S. intends to “preserve the ability to conduct counterterrorism operations in Somalia,” the Pentagon said.

According to the statement, the U.S. intends to maintain a military presence in Africa, which, according to the U.S. side, gives them “an advantage in the competition of great powers.

According to The Wall Street Journal, there are about 700 US military personnel in Somalia. According to the newspaper, some of them will be moved to bases in Kenya and Djibouti.

In October, the media reported that Trump intends to withdraw the American military contingent from Somalia. American forces are providing support in the fight against international terrorist groups.