Once called a 'shithole country' by Trump, Somalia emerges as a strategic military partner in the Horn of Africa as US eyes Red Sea operations
Somalia, which US President Donald Trump has repeatedly disparaged, is deepening its military cooperation with Washington, with its semi-autonomous Puntland region preparing nearly 100 security personnel for specialised American training as the US seeks to strengthen its counterterrorism presence in the strategically important Horn of Africa.
By Solomon EkanemSouth Africa
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Soldiers from Somali’s advanced infantry DANAB battalion spent 14 weeks training with the U.S. 10th Mountain division on the importance of logistical operation as well as the operation and maintenance of heavy equipment. (Photo by MC2 (SW/AW) Evan Parker - 2018)
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About this article
- Length
- 41 words · 1 min read
- Published
- November 5, 2026
- Byline
- Solomon Ekanem
- Source
- Business Insider