Latest "gen. stephen townsend" stories

AFRICOM’s chief warned Mali about the Wagner Group. It didn’t work.

America’s top commander for Africa said Thursday he personally urged Mali’s ruling military junta not to invite in Russian mercenaries the Wagner Group before it did just that.

21 months ago

China’s Africa outreach poses threat from Atlantic, says a top US general

U.S. military commanders around the globe caution that China's growing assertiveness isn't simply happening in Asia.

By Lolita C. Baldor, The Associated Press

3 years ago

US military says troop withdrawal from Somalia is complete

The U.S. military says its troop withdrawal from Somalia is complete, in one of the last actions of President Donald Trump’s presidency.

3 years ago

Trump orders most American troops to leave Somalia. AFRICOM says they are redeploying elsewhere in region

Without providing details, the Pentagon said in a short statement that “a majority” of U.S. troops and assets in Somalia will be withdrawn in early 2021.

By Robert Burns, The Associated Press and Howard Altman

3 years ago

AFRICOM: Russian fighter jets flown by mercenaries are conducting combat activities in Libya

"They are there to conduct combat activities on behalf of their own national interests.”

By Diana Stancy Correll

3 years ago

Allies worry as US ponders cutting military forces in Africa

As extremist violence grows across Africa, the United States is considering reducing its military presence on the continent, a move that worries its international partners who are working to strengthen the fight in the tumultuous Sahel region.

4 years ago