The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has explained why it relocated its troops from Baledogle Airfield in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region to Mogadishu.
AFRICOM Deputy Commander General John Brennan confirmed that the American forces had moved to Mogadishu following damage to the runway at Baledogle, which he attributed to years of inadequate maintenance.
General Brennan said repairing the runway would cost tens of millions of dollars but did not clarify whether the United States intended to finance the rehabilitation and return to the airfield or remain in Mogadishu.
His remarks highlighted the need for significant investment in restoring the runway, which is essential for US military aircraft conducting airstrikes and other operations in Somalia.
Baledogle serves as an important military base and a training centre for Somalia’s Elite Danab Commandos. It also provides facilities for US military aircraft, particularly fixed-wing aircraft that require runways for take-off and landing.
The explanation dismisses reports suggesting that the United States had completely withdrawn its troops from Somalia or that the relocation was driven by deteriorating security conditions.
AFRICOM indicated that its military operations in Somalia would continue, with aircraft conducting airstrikes now operating from Mogadishu.
Mustaqbal
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