US delivers heavy weapons to Somali forces
By Kenneth Mwenda, February 4, 2026The United States delivered military equipment, including heavy weaponry, to the Somali National Army (SNA) in the Middle Shabelle region on February 3, 2026.
The Somali Ministry of Defence announced the handover and described it as proof of ongoing American support in the fight against terrorist groups.
“This delivery demonstrates the United States Government’s continuous support for Somalia and the bilateral security cooperation aimed at strengthening efforts to eradicate terrorist groups that threaten regional stability and the safety of Somali citizens,” the ministry said.
“The Ministry of Defence and the Command of the Somali National Armed Forces reaffirm that terrorist elements have no place to hide from the reach of the National Army and International Partners,” the ministry added.
“We remain committed to eliminating the remnants of terrorism, and counter-terrorism operations will persist until lasting peace and stability are secured across the country.”
The equipment handover comes shortly after President Donald Trump’s administration ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalis in the United States. On January 13, 2026, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the termination, effective March 17, 2026.
“Temporary means temporary. Country conditions in Somalia have improved to the point that it no longer meets the law’s requirement for Temporary Protected Status. We are putting Americans first,” she said.
The decision affects thousands of Somali nationals who have lived and worked legally in the US under TPS due to conflict and instability in Somalia. Trump had previously criticised Somali communities in states like Minnesota, claiming on Truth Social:
“Somali gangs are terrorising the people of that great State, and BILLIONS of Dollars are missing. Send them back to where they came from. It’s OVER!”
US policy shows contradictions
The delivery of military equipment contrasts with Trump’s earlier remarks on US involvement in the Horn of Africa.
“Only in recent decades did politicians somehow come to believe that our job is to police the far reaches of Kenya and Somalia, while America is under invasion from within,” he told military officials in September 2025.
He added that defending the US homeland takes priority over foreign missions and claimed trillions had been wasted protecting other countries’ borders.
Despite these statements, US forces have continued counter-terrorism work in Somalia.
The Middle Shabelle region, a known al-Shabaab hotspot, is the latest focus of the SNA with US backing. The equipment strengthens Somali troops while US airpower handles targeted strikes. The European Union has also supported Somalia, providing vehicles and constructing facilities for Somali units.