U.S. Special Operations forces were first dispatched to Somalia in 2002, followed by military aid, advisers, and private contractors. More than 20 years later, U.S. troops are still conducting counterterrorism operations there, primarily against the Islamist militant group al-Shabaab. To this end, Washington has provided billions of dollars in counterterrorism assistance, according to a 2023 report by the Costs of War Project at Brown University. Americans have also conducted more than 280 air strikes and commando raids there and created numerous proxy forces to conduct low-profile military operations.
Working as intended. Military expenditure is good for the military-industrial economy and is easier if you have an “enemy” to engage with.
It also conveniently turns anyone who doesn’t want their community to be looted by oil companies and mining companies into an insurgent to be targeted.
Yup. You just made me think of an excellent BBC doc about the topic, would highly recommend if you haven’t seen it:
Power of Nightmares
@WebTheWitted haven’t seen it yet but I like Adam Curtis. Thanks for the rec!!!