US death comes after boost to counter-terror effort

The death of the American soldier in Somalia comes just three days after the newly-appointed head of the US task force for the Horn of Africa Brig. Gen. David J. Furness visited Mogadishu.

At the time he said “we are committed to working with partner nations to help Somalia stand strong against this violent extremist organisation”.
US Government

In April, the US said it was sending dozens of troops to Somalia to train forces fighting Islamist group al-Shabab.

It was the first time regular US troops were deployed in Somalia since 1994, although some counter-terrorism advisers were already there.

In 1993, 18 US special forces personnel were killed in the incident dramatised in the Hollywood film Black Hawk Down.

The death of the soldier announced today is thought to be the first time the US has officially acknowledged the death of one of its service personnel in Somalia.