US State Dept. Surges Ahead With New Diplomatic Mission in Somalia After Ambush

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By Kris Osborn – Warrior Global Security

A lethal terrorist ambush in Somali has again highlighted longstanding Pentagon and US State Department efforts to combat terrorism, protect forward-positioned servicemembers, support allies and enable international humanitarian efforts in the high-risk, yet strategically significant areas of East Africa.

Security efforts are intensifying near Mogadishu following the attack, which killed one US Special Operations soldier and injured four more in Somalia. The ambush is believed to have been carried out by Al Shabaab – a well-known and highly dangerous jihadist terrorist group in the region.

State Department officials explain that stepped up efforts in Somalia have been underway for quite some time; a formal mission to Somalia was stood up in 2015 as a way to build upon the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.

“The Department is in the process of establishing a diplomatic mission in Mogadishu to more effectively represent and advance U.S. foreign policy interests in Somalia,” a US State Department official told Warrior Global Security in a written statement.

The official further elaborated that the effort will strengthen international partnerships and reinforce Somali effort to “advanced political, economic and security reforms.”