According to a Pentagon statement released on Friday, President Trump has ordered the withdrawal of the majority of U.S. troops from Somalia. However, this move doesn’t equate to a withdrawal from Africa. The troops are expected to be repositioned in the neighboring countries. Currently, the United States has about 700 troops stationed in the country.

“The President of the United States has ordered the Department of Defense and the United States Africa Command to reposition the majority of personnel and assets out of Somalia by early 2021,” the Pentagon statement said.

“While a change in force posture, this action is not a change in U.S. policy,” a news release announcing the withdrawal specified. “We will continue to degrade violent extremist organizations that could threaten our homeland while ensuring we maintain our strategic advantage in great power competition.”

The Pentagon stressed that Washington remains committed to our African allies despite the announced withdrawal from Somalia. It vowed to continue supporting the Somalian government in its continued fight against the terrorist group al-Shabaab.