The United States comments on reports that its troops have withdrawn from Ballidoogle

Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) – The U.S. Africa Command has refrained from confirming reports that its troops have withdrawn from the Ballidoogle base in the Lower Shabelle region, which has been a key hub for U.S. operations in Somalia.

“To ensure the security of operations, we do not discuss the details of ongoing operations,” a spokesperson for AFRICOM told the Stars and Stripes newspaper.

The spokesperson added that the command is repositioning its troops to areas that will enhance ongoing operations against terrorism.

This response came after reports emerged several days ago indicating that U.S. forces had left the base days earlier.

One of the sources cited for this information stated that Ugandan and Somali forces are in control of the base following the U.S. departure.

The number of troops reported to have left, their destination, and whether their departure indicates a significant change in Washington's military presence in Somalia remains unclear.

Ballidoogle is located approximately 100 kilometers northwest of Mogadishu. The base has been used for intelligence gathering and training of specially trained forces known as Danab, which combat the Al-Shabaab group linked to Al-Qaeda.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre attended a ceremony at the base on September 28 marking the graduation of the 12th cohort of Danab, according to his office.

} The training of these forces included combat tactics, treatment of injuries on the battlefield, technical skills, and the laws governing armed conflicts.

Hamza thanked the United States for its support, describing the cooperation between the two countries as crucial for the building of Danab. He also reiterated that the government aims for a military capable of fully taking over the responsibility for the country's security.

Ongoing airstrikes

Reports regarding Ballidoogle are emerging as the United States continues to carry out airstrikes in Somalia.

AFRICOM stated that on October 23, in cooperation with the Somali government, it conducted an airstrike against Al-Shabaab near Buulo Bashiir, approximately seven kilometers northeast of Janaale.

The command also recorded an airstrike that occurred on October 21 near Hargeysa Yare, approximately 93 kilometers northeast of Kismaayo. It did not disclose the units or equipment used in the operation on October 23.

On the other hand, Uganda announced on Monday that it has begun the withdrawal of its troops stationed in Somalia under the agreement between the two countries. The exit of these troops is expected to be completed within days.

The spokesperson for the Ugandan military, Colonel Chris Magezi, stated that all of his country's forces, including those part of the African Union mission AUSSOM, will leave Somalia by the end of 2027 at the latest.

The AUSSOM mission is planning to take over four bases during the troop transition in November that will be vacated by the Ugandan forces under the agreement between the two countries, according to a letter dated October 31 received by the Associated Press.

These locations near Mogadishu are Sabiid-Caanoole, Bariire, Awdheegle, and Buulo Nagaad.

The plan for presence

In May 2025, the U.S. forces in the Horn of Africa announced projects being implemented in Ballidoogle, which included a medical facility, additional housing, and enhancing the security of the base.

The command stated at that time that the medical facility would provide the troops with emergency life-saving care and is part of the development of Ballidoogle to make it a long-term usable site.

The presence of U.S. forces in Somalia has previously undergone changes. In December 2020, during the first term of Donald Trump, the Pentagon announced that most of the troops and their equipment would be withdrawn from Somalia in early 2021.

The Ministry of Defense stated that some of the troops would be relocated to neighboring countries to continue operations against armed groups within Somalia.

However, Joe Biden approved in May 2022 the restoration of a permanent military presence, instead of bringing troops into the country for specific operations and then withdrawing them.

John Kirby, who was then the spokesperson for the Pentagon, stated that the process of deploying and withdrawing troops from the country was not functioning effectively, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to continue.