US withdraws from Baledogle Airfield in Somalia after 14 years, retains presence

US forces have vacated Baledogle Airfield, a key logistics hub in Somalia, after 14 years of continuous use, though a military official confirmed troops will remain in the country. The move signals a repositioning of US counterterrorism posture in the Horn of Africa, likely consolidating operations at other facilities. The strategic rationale and impact on counterterrorism operations against al-Shabaab remain unclear.

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