US should avoid past mistakes during its foreign interventions

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks on the phone with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on the phone in the Oval Office of the White House June 27, 2017 in Washington, DC. President Trump congratulated Prime Minister Varadkar to become the new leader of Ireland.[AFP]

On Sunday, United States forces conducted airstrikes in Somalia's Golis Mountains, targeting Islamic State (IS) operatives. President Donald Trump announced that these precision strikes eliminated a senior IS attack planner and multiple operatives, emphasising that no civilians were harmed. This action, coordinated with Somalia's federal government, marks the first such military operation in Trump's second term.

This intervention appears to contrast with President Trump's previously stated non-interference approach. During his campaigns and earlier tenure, Trump often criticised prolonged US military engagements abroad, advocating for reduced involvement in foreign conflicts. However, the Somalia airstrikes suggest a shift towards direct military action in regions deemed threats to US security interests.