President Trump announced U.S. support for Somalia against the Houthis, citing the removal of bureaucratic constraints that hindered military action. He aims to empower U.S. forces to combat terrorism and bolster Somalia. A recent letter from Somalia’s president proposes exclusive access to military bases, heightening tensions with Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991.
President Donald Trump recently issued a decisive warning to the Houthis, stating it is time for them to hide now that he has alleviated bureaucratic restraints previously imposed by the Biden administration. This change permits U.S. troops to engage and protect Somalia against terrorist threats. He emphasized that U.S. forces, described as the “Greatest the World has ever seen,” will pursue terrorists and deliver swift justice. Trump attributed quick victories in past conflicts, such as with ISIS, to this reduction in red tape.
In his message posted on Truth Social, Trump declared, “We will support the Somali People, who should not allow the Houthis to embed (which they are trying to do!), to end terrorism and bring prosperity to their Country.” This statement underscores a renewed commitment to assist Somalia in its fight against terrorism. Meanwhile, inquiries have been made to the State Department, and further responses are pending.
For several years, the United States has collaborated with Somali forces through airstrikes and logistical support to combat the extremist group al-Shabab, as well as an affiliate of the Islamic State. Recently, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud extended an offer to Trump for exclusive access to Somali air bases and seaports, an initiative that has heightened tensions with Somaliland, a breakaway region.
The proposal included “exclusive operational control” over key military installations such as the Berbera and Baledogle air bases, as well as the ports of Berbera and Bosaso. This strategic partnership aims to enhance American engagement in the region, a notion outlined in a letter from Mohamud dated March 16, which surfaced on social media later that month.
This correspondence was validated as an authentic draft by a senior official from the Somali Foreign Ministry, who requested anonymity due to restrictions on giving public statements. The final status of the letter’s offer remains uncertain. Notably, Berbera is located in Somaliland, a territory that declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but lacks international recognition, maintaining its own government and military apparatus since the collapse of the Somali state.
In summary, President Trump has reaffirmed U.S. support for Somalia in its battle against terrorism, specifically targeting the Houthis. By lifting operational restrictions, he aims to empower U.S. forces to protect Somali interests. The offer from Somalia’s president for exclusive operational access to strategic military sites signals a potential shift in regional dynamics, although the implications for Somaliland remain complex and unresolved.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
