Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – Al-Shabaab in Somalia poses an increasing terrorist threat due to its collaboration with the Houthis in Yemen, according to the top U.S. general in Africa.
Following the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the U.S. military initiated a large-scale campaign targeting Al-Shabaab in Somalia.
In the past week, the U.S. military carried out an airstrike in Somalia on Saturday, resulting in the death of several Daesh officers, as reported by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).
AFRICOM Commander General Michael Langley stated that the U.S. has intensified its efforts against Al-Shabaab. “The president and the defense secretary have granted me expanded authorities,” Langley said during a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing. “Now I have the ability to strike harder,” he added.
Under the Trump administration, military officials, through the secretary of defense, were granted the authority to make rapid decisions regarding operations. This contrasts with the Biden administration’s requirement for White House approval before action could be taken.
In related operations, the U.S. has also worked to counter the Houthis in Yemen. Joint Director of Operations, Lieutenant General Alex Grynkewich, previously noted, “This allows us to achieve a short period of operation where we can respond to battlefield opportunities and maintain pressure on the Houthis.”