CIA activities in Somalia

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has been involved in secret activities in Somalia since the 1960s. These activities have included giving money to political groups that support Western countries, sending special teams to help in battles, and supporting certain leaders known as warlords.

The CIA has also done special operations called extraordinary renditions and ran hidden prisons known as black sites. Some leaders in Somalia have said that American agents sometimes work without telling the local government, which is called acting unilaterally. These actions have affected the history and politics of Somalia.

Democratic Era (1960 - 1969)

Main article: Somali Republic

In the 1960s, the United States had a secret group called the CIA. They worked in Somalia to help leaders who liked the United States. In 1967, the CIA gave money to a leader named Muhammad Haji Ibrahim Egal and others in a party called the Somali Youth League to help them get more support.

Somali Civil War (1991 - Present)

UNOSOM II (1993)

Main articles: UNOSOM II and Bloody Monday raid

In 1993, the United States learned that a big attack on peacekeepers might happen in Somalia's capital. U.S. forces attacked by helicopter, but sadly, many Somali people who were talking about peace were hurt.

Funding warlords and Ethiopian invasion

Main articles: Islamic Courts Union, Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism, and Ethiopian invasion of Somalia

In 2003, the CIA helped some local leaders in Somalia who were fighting a strong group. These leaders got money and weapons. This changed things, but later the strong group took over the main city. Some U.S. officials were worried because they thought the help was given without a good plan.

Later, U.S. agents worked with soldiers from a nearby country, guiding their actions.

Drone strikes

Main article: American airstrikes in Somalia

In 2011, the United States carried out its first drone strike in Somalia. This was the start of using drone attacks in the country.

Black sites

The CIA helped create a secret prison in the capital city. This prison was run by Somali security forces but needed a lot of help from the United States. Reports talked about a special area at the main airport where training programs were held for local security workers.

CIA activities in Somalia