MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – In a sharp pivot on U.S. military priorities, President Donald Trump on Tuesday told top military leaders that it is not the role of American forces to police distant countries such as Somalia and Kenya, warning instead of a growing threat “from within.”
The remarks come amid rising concerns that Washington may be preparing to scale back its counterterrorism operations in East Africa.
“Only in recent decades did politicians somehow come to believe that our job is to police the far reaches of Kenya and Somalia, while America is under invasion from within,” Trump said.
“We’re under invasion from within,” he repeated. “No different than a foreign enemy, but more difficult in many ways because they don’t wear uniforms. At least when they’re wearing a uniform you can take them out,” he added.
The remarks come as Trump continues to advocate for the deployment of US military forces in major American cities. He has referred to violent elements in urban areas as “domestic terrorists” and has pledged to take strong action to curb rising crime and homicide rates across the country.
The United States maintains a military presence in Somalia, where hundreds of troops support the Somali government in its fight against the militant group Al-Shabaab. American forces are involved in training Somali troops, providing combat advice, and conducting drone operations against insurgents.
Trump’s latest comments follow ongoing speculation over his administration’s long-term commitment to military operations in the Horn of Africa. During the final months of his presidency in 2020, he ordered the withdrawal of all US troops from Somalia.
Somali authorities have consistently expressed concerns that a reduced US military presence could jeopardize security in the country and embolden Al-Shabaab. The Islamist group has continued to launch deadly insurgency campaigns despite international efforts to degrade its capabilities.
In addition to US airstrikes and ground support, Somali forces have also received backing from clan militias and foreign partners, including the United Arab Emirates and Turkey. However, analysts warn that without sustained US support, Somalia’s fragile security gains could quickly unravel.
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