CIA activities in Somalia

The United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has been involved in many secret activities in the country of Somalia since the 1960s. These activities have included giving money to political groups that support Western countries, sending special fighting teams into battle, and helping 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 on their own, without telling the local government what they are doing, which is called acting unilaterally. These actions have had big effects on the history and politics of Somalia.

Democratic Era (1960 - 1969)

Main article: Somali Republic

During the 1960s, the United States had a secret group called the CIA. They worked in Somalia to help leaders who liked the United States win elections. 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 shared information that a big attack on peacekeepers was being planned in the capital city of Somalia. In response, U.S. forces carried out an attack by helicopter. Sadly, this led to the loss of many Somali lives who were actually discussing peace.

Funding warlords and Ethiopian invasion

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

During 2003, the CIA supported local leaders in Somalia who were fighting against a powerful group. These leaders received money and weapons. This help changed the balance of power, but later the powerful group took control of the main city. Some U.S. officials were worried about these actions because they felt it was done without a clear plan.

During a later conflict, U.S. agents worked with soldiers from a neighboring country, helping guide their actions.

Drone strikes

Main article: American airstrikes in Somalia

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

Black sites

The CIA also helped set up a secret prison in the capital city, which was managed by Somali security forces but depended fully on support from the United States. Reports described a special compound at the main airport where training programs were held for local security workers.