The US military reported that two members of the US Navy have been reported missing at sea while conducting operations off the coast of Somalia on Thursday evening. The statement added that search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate them.
The US Central Command stated in a release: “The sailors were deployed in the Fifth Fleet’s area of operations (C5F) to support a range of missions.” The statement further mentioned that no additional information will be provided until the recovery operation of the missing is completed.
The release also noted that the sailors had been deployed in the area of operations of the Fifth US Fleet (C5F) to support a broad spectrum of missions.
The US military’s involvement in Somalia has been a significant and ongoing engagement, primarily focused on counterterrorism operations. Since 2007, the US has been actively involved in Somalia, with the key aim of combating the terrorist group al-Shabaab, which has pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda and has been a persistent threat in the region. This group is responsible for numerous attacks, including a deadly attack on US troops in Kenya in 2020.
The US military presence in Somalia has seen fluctuations over time. Under President Donald Trump, most US troops were withdrawn in December 2020, but President Joe Biden later approved a plan in May 2022 to send approximately 500 US troops back to the country. This decision was made to enable a more effective fight against al-Shabaab, which has grown in strength and territorial control.
In addition to direct military engagement, the US has been providing military assistance to Somalia. For instance, in early 2023, 61 tons of weapons and ammunition were delivered to support Somalia’s offensive against al-Shabaab. This support is part of a broader international effort, which includes partners like Qatar, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Britain.
