Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – A growing debate is taking shape in the United States over the effectiveness of its airstrike campaign in Somalia, as critics argue the military approach has failed to produce lasting results in the fight against the al-Shabaab militant group.
This debate has prompted renewed calls for the U.S. government to reassess its strategy in Somalia and prioritize a comprehensive political solution.
Since the return of President Donald Trump to the political scene, the U.S. has intensified drone strikes in Somalia. However, al-Shabaab remains active and has even regained control of areas that were previously liberated in 2022.
The persistence of the group despite years of bombardment has raised serious concerns within U.S. policy circles. Many in Washington now acknowledge that 15 years of sustained airstrikes have not yielded a strategic victory.
A recent report by The New York Times criticized the U.S. for relying too heavily on military force while neglecting essential political components such as institution-building, anti-corruption efforts, and the establishment of a credible, inclusive government that earns the trust of the Somali people.
While airstrikes have targeted senior al-Shabaab leaders and fighters, there is little evidence to suggest that these efforts have significantly weakened the group’s operational capacity.
Al-Shabaab is believed to have adapted to U.S. tactics by evolving its strategies, employing new methods, and restructuring its leadership to mitigate the effects of ongoing airstrikes.