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United Nations

US to Send 4,000 Troops to Somalia for UN Peacekeeper Withdrawal

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Deputy Defense Secretary John Deutch announced Friday that over 4,000 U.S. forces will be sent to Somalia to aid in the withdrawal of 15,000 UN peacekeepers from the conflict-ridden African nation. The pullout, which could begin as early as January or February, poses a significant risk to the UN forces, who face a hostile environment in Mogadishu.

As the UN peacekeepers depart, the Somali government plans to claim the military equipment left behind, including tanks, armored personnel carriers, and Cobra attack helicopters, which the Pentagon wants to retrieve to prevent them from falling into Somali hands. The mission, led by Lt. Gen. Anthony Zinni, will be exclusive under U.S. command and will involve the deployment of Navy and Marine forces, including the Essex Amphibious Ready Group, currently in the Persian Gulf on training exercises with Kuwaiti forces.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US will deploy over 4,000 troops to Somalia to support the UN peacekeeper withdrawal.
  • The 15,000 UN peacekeepers face a hostile environment in Mogadishu, making it challenging for them to leave the country.
  • The Somali government plans to claim the military equipment left behind by the UN peacekeepers, including tanks, armored personnel carriers, and Cobra attack helicopters.
  • The US wants to retrieve the equipment to prevent it from falling into Somali hands.
  • The mission will be led by Lt. Gen. Anthony Zinni, and will involve the deployment of Navy and Marine forces from the Essex Amphibious Ready Group.
  • The US forces will operate under exclusive command and will be augmented with additional U.S. military assets.
  • The UN mandate calls for allied forces to leave Somalia no later than March 31.
  • India has already withdrawn its personnel from the multinational force.
  • The purpose of the US mission is to protect the UN forces and retrieve the abandoned military equipment.

Statistics:

  • 4,000 U.S. forces will be deployed to Somalia to support the UN peacekeeper withdrawal.
  • 15,000 UN peacekeepers are in Somalia and face a hostile environment.
  • 2,200 combat Marines will be used on the ground in Somalia in the late stages of the withdrawal.
  • The Essex Amphibious Ready Group has 4,350 U.S. servicemen and women, of which 2,200 are combat Marines.
  • The mission will be completed under exclusive U.S. command.

Sources:

  • "Deputy Secretary of Defense John Deutch, 'U.S. Forces Will Protect UN Peacekeepers,' Dec. 16" (White House Briefing).
  • "U.S. and UN Officials Discuss Somalia Withdrawal," Dec. 15 (State Department Press Release).
  • "India Pulls Out of Multinational Force in Somalia," Dec. 13 (AFP News).
  • "UN Mandate for Withdrawal from Somalia," March 31 (UN Security Council Resolution).

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