Austin Commends Somali Forces for Significant Strides in Combating al-Shabab

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin commends Somali forces for their "impressive progress" in the fight against al-Shabab but warns that the terror group can still export terror from ungoverned spaces. Recent violence has prompted Somali officials to request a 90-day delay in the scheduled drawdown of African Union peacekeepers. Meanwhile, U.S. defense officials report that the Wagner Group still maintains a substantial presence in Africa following the death of its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin. Austin suggests that the Russian government may replace Wagner or use Russian forces to support efforts on the continent. French President Emmanuel Macron announces the withdrawal of the French ambassador and the end of France's military presence in Niger, dealing a blow to France's policy in Africa.