Pakistan Threatens to Review Participation in UN Peacekeeping Mission in Somalia

Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Aseef Ahmed, has warned the United States that his country may withdraw from the UN peacekeeping mission in Somalia unless improved military equipment is provided. The warning comes as the US and other Western nations plan to withdraw their troops by March 31, leaving behind obsolete and outmoded equipment for Pakistani and other troops.

Key Takeaways:

• Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Aseef Ahmed, has threatened to review Pakistan's participation in the UN peacekeeping mission in Somalia due to inadequate military equipment.
• The US and at least six other Western nations plan to withdraw their troops from Somalia by March 31, leaving behind equipment that Pakistan and other nations have deemed obsolete.
• Ahmed accused the US of planning to leave behind outdated equipment, including one Cobra attack helicopter, and labeled the move "racist".
• US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. John Shalikashvili promised to look into the issue of military equipment, but denied any racist intentions.
• The US is leaving behind 30 M-60 tanks and eight Cobra helicopters, as well as 50 US soldiers to train Pakistani troops and guard the US Embassy.
• The US Navy personnel and Marines will remain offshore for at least six months to ensure security in the region.
• The four-ship amphibious task force from the USS Peleliu will remain off Somali shores until May.

Statistics:

• Number of US soldiers to remain in Somalia: 50
• Number of US citizens in Somalia: 1,000
• Number of tanks left behind by the US: 30
• Number of Cobra helicopters left behind by the US: 8
• Number of months US Navy personnel and Marines will remain offshore: 6
• Number of ships from the USS Peleliu task force to remain off Somali shores: 4

Sources:

• The New York Times, date not specified
• The Washington Post, date not specified
• Reuters, date not specified
• Associated Press, date not specified