By Scott A Morgan

Jan 27, 2007,

Reports are emerging that the US Air Strikes in Southern Somalia have a new wrinkle. According to an Arab Language Newspaper published in the Gulf State of Qatar they have received reports from both Arab and Western Diplomats that US troops are currently missing in the southern part of Somalia.

Late last year US Special Forces and Marines were known to have been training in Northeastern Kenya. It should be noted that the Muslim Population in that part of the country were highly suspicious of US goals and agenda while there. While in the region US forces sought to repair schools and provide Medical Care to the destitute. Muslim tribesmen felt that the US was conducting an intel OP to see who was trying to cross the border into Somalia.

When the Somali Transitional National Government along with Ethiopian Assistance put the Union of Islamic Courts to flight there were several movements by the US Military. Two warships moved close to the Somali coastline to interdict any attempt by the UIC to flee the region by sea. They were later augmented by the Eisenhower Battle Group. It was also reported that US Special Forces also assisted Kenyan Forces in closing the land crossings with Somalia.

So far this month the US has launched two air strikes on purported terrorist sites in Somalia. Oxfam stated that at least 70 nomads were killed in one air strike. This report has not been confirmed however by either Central Command or the Pentagon. So the question that they have been taken hostage in revenge of the Air Strikes cannot at this time be discounted as a revenge mission by angry and distraught people.

Recently the US Ambassador to Kenya met with the leader of the defeated mission. The purpose was to ascertain both the status and the whereabouts of the missing American Soldiers. It was also urged that the leader of the UIC return to Somalia to take part in a Unity Government.

Right now the US Government should not only be concerned with restoring a legitimate Government in Somalia but also in locating our missing soldiers and defeating the terrorists. Lets hope that this doesn’t reopen old wounds.

Source: London Kenya News