BBC: US Steps Up War in Somalia

The terrorist group al Shabab controls large areas of Somalia. Since March 2017, the US military received broad approval to intervene and prevent coordination with other extremists throughout Africa including al Qaeda. The US attacks, targeting militant groups and leaders, have killed more than 500, and a report from BBC News does not anticipate that an announcement on US troop reduction in Africa will affect the US intervention in Somalia. “The move has seen increased attacks by aircraft, as well as the first public deployment of US boots on the ground since 1993 to "advise and assist" Somali government troops,” reports Tomi Oladipo for BBC News. “Despite the increased strikes, al-Shabab's core capabilities remain solid. The group has not lost control of territory in central and southern parts of Somalia, where it is trying to set up its own administration, including raising taxes from the local population.” The goal for al Shabab is starting an Islamic caliphate. – YaleGlobal