The United States Reveals the Reason for Withdrawing Its Forces from the Baledogle Base in Somalia

Mogadishu, Somalia – The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has for the first time provided details on the reason for relocating its troops from the military base at Baledogle, which is located approximately 90 KM northwest of the city of Mogadishu in the Lower Shabelle region.

General John Brennan, who is the deputy commander of AFRICOM, stated that the main reason for the decision to move the U.S. forces from that base was the deterioration of the runway, which posed a risk to the landing and takeoff of military aircraft.

Brennan noted that the repair of the runway would cost tens of millions of dollars, which led the command to decide to relocate the troops stationed there to other locations in Somalia that have not yet been officially disclosed.

“The move from Baledogle was 100 percent a financial decision,” he said, adding that the condition of the runway had worsened to the point that it became dangerous for military aircraft to land there.

According to him, most of the U.S. forces stationed at the Baledogle base have been transferred to the city of Mogadishu, where they will continue their operations.

The Baledogle base has long been an important hub for U.S. operations against Al-Shabaab, training Somali special forces, and supporting operations against armed groups.

The United States was still funding the development of that base in May 2025, and the plan included the construction of housing for the troops, medical facilities, and enhancing security, with the aim of making Baledogle a long-term base for U.S. forces.

This decision comes at a time when changes are being made to the presence of foreign troops in Somalia, as international security support remains crucial in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

However, General Brennan emphasized that the withdrawal from the Baledogle base does not mean that the United States is reducing its support for the Somali government forces.