The U.S. military says it will withdraw hundreds of troops focused on counterterrorism operations in Africa over the next several years to support increased focus on countering threats from China and Russia.
Earlier this year, the U.S. military put countering China and Russia at the center of a new national defense strategy, the latest sign of shifting priorities after more than a decade and a half of focusing on the fight against Islamist militants.
“The reduction of military personnel is projected to be less than 10 percent of the 7,200 total military forces and will take place over the next several years,” Commander Candice Tresch, a Pentagon spokeswoman, told Reuters.
Tresch said the cuts would leave “counter-violent extremist organization” activities largely untouched in several countries, including Somalia, Djibouti and Libya.
In other parts of the region, including West Africa, the emphasis would shift from “tactical assistance to advising, assisting, liaising, and sharing intelligence.”
A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the reduction of troops would likely take place over three years and could include countries like Kenya, Cameroon, and Mali.
The United States’ military role on the African continent has received increased attention after an ambush last year in Niger, carried out by a local Islamic State affiliate, which killed four U.S. soldiers.
The Pentagon move comes as China and Russia look to increase their influence in Africa.
(Reuters)