U.S. and International Forces Prepare to Withdraw from Somalia by March 31

Strategic Insights -

As the war-torn country approaches a critical juncture, the United States and international forces are making final preparations to withdraw nearly 8,000 U.N. peacekeepers and $40 million in U.S. military gear from Somalia by the end of March. The move comes in response to a U.N. mandate, which requires allied forces to leave the country by March 31. With tensions high among the warring factions, the U.S.-led operation, dubbed Operation United Shield, aims to prevent loss of life and ensure a smooth transition.

Key Takeaways:

  • The United States has assembled over 3,000 U.S. Marines aboard four ships off the coast of Somalia to support the evacuation effort.
  • The mission will involve the removal of nearly 100 pieces of military equipment, including tanks, armored personnel carriers, and attack helicopters.
  • The operation will be supported by France, Italy, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia, with Italian and American forces practicing the mission on the Kenya coast.
  • The evacuation is a result of the U.N. mandate calling for allied forces to leave Somalia by March 31, with the U.S.-led operation costing $15 million, primarily covering the removal of U.S. military gear.
  • The Pentagon is prepared for any unforeseen circumstances, with a heavily armed "quick reaction force" comprising U.S. Marine attack helicopters and Harrier jets ready to intervene if needed.
  • The size of the quick reaction force will be determined by U.S. Marine Gen. Anthony Zinni, commander of the mission, and will be deployed only if the forces ashore request support.
  • The evacuation marks the end of the U.S.-launched military mission "Restore Hope," which aimed to allow food supplies to reach the war-torn country during the civil war that led to a devastating famine claimed the lives of an estimated 300,000 Somalis.

Statistics:

  • Nearly 8,000 U.N. peacekeepers will be withdrawn from Somalia.
  • The U.S. military gear to be removed includes 100 pieces of equipment, such as tanks, armored personnel carriers, and attack helicopters.
  • The operation will cost the United States $15 million.
  • The evacuation is scheduled to be completed by March 31.
  • Over 3,000 U.S. Marines are involved in the operation.

Sources:

  • Pentagon official's interview with a senior journalist on February 9, 1995
  • UN mandate calling for allied forces to leave Somalia by March 31
  • Article: "US builds war fleet on Somali coast"