The United States military has officially confirmed that most of its personnel previously stationed at Baledogle airbase in Lower Shabelle have been relocated after the deterioration of the runway raised safety concerns for military aircraft.
The announcement clarifies reports that emerged in late October about the departure of American personnel from the facility.
Although the move ends the US military’s longstanding presence at Baledogle, American officials have stressed that it does not signal an end to Washington’s military support for Somalia or its operations against Al-Shabaab.
US Africa Command (AFRICOM) Deputy Commander General John Brennan said most American personnel previously operating from Baledogle had been transferred to Mogadishu following an assessment of the runway’s condition and the cost of repairing it.
Brennan explained that the runway had progressively deteriorated to the point where landing military aircraft had become hazardous. He said extensive repairs or reconstruction would require an investment of tens of millions of dollars.
“It is a 100 percent economic decision,” Brennan said, explaining the reason for relocating personnel from the base.
His remarks provide the clearest official explanation yet for the move. AFRICOM had previously declined to confirm reports of the withdrawal when they first emerged towards the end of October.
Located in Lower Shabelle, approximately 100 kilometres southwest of Mogadishu, Baledogle has served as a major American military facility in Somalia for more than a decade.
US forces have operated from the base since 2012, using it to support counterterrorism missions, gather military intelligence and train Somali special forces, particularly the Danab Brigade.
The facility has also played an important role in supporting Somali troops conducting operations in areas where Al-Shabaab maintains a presence.
Its strategic importance was demonstrated in September 2019, when Al-Shabaab fighters attacked the base using a vehicle-borne explosive device and small arms. US and Somali forces repelled the assault.
In May 2025, Washington announced development projects at Baledogle involving medical facilities, accommodation for troops and improvements to the base’s security. The projects were intended to strengthen the facility for long-term use.
Despite the relocation, the United States has not withdrawn all its forces from Somalia.
General Brennan said most personnel previously based at Baledogle had been moved to Mogadishu, indicating that the confirmed change concerns the military’s presence at that particular facility rather than a complete departure from the country.
A report by the US military publication Stars and Stripes also confirmed the relocation. Other American sources have indicated that personnel were moved to alternative locations in Somalia and that a return to Baledogle could be considered if circumstances permit.
US military operations against Al-Shabaab have continued. On November 5, 2026, AFRICOM announced an airstrike against the militant group in Somalia, carried out in coordination with the Somali government.
The operation indicates that Washington’s counterterrorism campaign remains active despite the relocation from Baledogle.
The future of American support for the Danab Brigade is among the main questions raised by the change. Danab is an elite unit of the Somali National Army trained to conduct specialised operations, including targeted missions against Al-Shabaab.
The United States has been a key partner in its training and development.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre attended a ceremony at Baledogle on September 28, 2026, marking the completion of training for the brigade’s 12th batch of recruits. During the event, he thanked the United States for its assistance to Somalia’s security forces.
With most American personnel no longer operating from the base, questions remain about where future Danab training will take place, how military equipment and support services will be managed, and whether facilities in Mogadishu can fully assume the functions previously performed at Baledogle.
Somali and American authorities have yet to provide a comprehensive public explanation of the new arrangements.
The relocation also comes amid wider changes to the deployment of foreign forces in Somalia.
Uganda has begun planning a reduction in its military presence, with some of its troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
An Associated Press report said Uganda’s withdrawal plan envisages its forces leaving Somalia by the end of 2027.
There are also arrangements for AUSSOM to assume responsibility for several strategic positions near Mogadishu, including Sabiid-Caanoole, Bariire, Awdheegle and Buulo Nagaad.
These developments reflect a changing international security presence as Somalia seeks to gradually assume greater responsibility for protecting its territory.
The relocation from Baledogle does not, by itself, establish that Al-Shabaab will take control of the facility or directly benefit from the American decision.
However, given the base’s longstanding role in military operations and Danab training, its future management and security will require close attention.
Maintaining effective protection of the facility by Somali forces and other security personnel, alongside a clear plan for managing its infrastructure and military services, will be important in limiting potential security gaps.
The condition of the runway is also a major issue: without substantial repairs, the facility’s ability to support military aircraft could remain restricted.
The Somali government will therefore face the task of clarifying its plans for Baledogle, particularly because of the base’s connection to Danab training and security operations in Lower Shabelle.
The American decision highlights how military deployments can be affected not only by strategic considerations but also by infrastructure conditions, maintenance costs and operational safety.
For Somalia, the immediate priorities will include ensuring that support for Danab continues, securing the facility and establishing a plan to rehabilitate the runway.
Washington has not announced an end to its military assistance to Somalia. According to AFRICOM’s deputy commander, American personnel have been relocated to Mogadishu, while cooperation against Al-Shabaab continues.
The longer-term impact of the move will depend on how the two governments reorganise their military cooperation and manage the future of the Baledogle facility.