CIA-Trained Somali Militia Uses US-Made Weapons in Deadly Internal Conflict
What happened: A Somali counter-terrorism force, the Puntland Security Force (PSF), which was created and mentored by the CIA and Navy SEALS, used US-made weapons in a deadly internal conflict that resulted in at least 22 deaths, including two children. The violence occurred over several days in late 2021 as the PSF, originally formed to fight against the al-Qaeda-backed militant group al-Shabaab, fought internally over control of US-supplied assets. The fighting displaced nearly 100,000 people and caused extensive damage to local infrastructure.
Why it matters: The use of US-made weapons in the internal conflict highlights the consequences of external intervention and the potential for unintended negative effects on security. As the US plans to send more troops back to Somalia, concerns arise regarding the potential for further instability and the need to consider the political implications of external support for counter-terrorism efforts.
Leave a Reply