Recent Violence in Somalia Will Not Delay U.S. Troop Pullout, Officials Say

Nigerian troops serving with a U.S.-led coalition unleashed machine-gun fire and stormed a building Friday after snipers fired at them. But U.S. officials said recent violence would not delay U.S. troops’ withdrawal.

Calm returned to the rest of the capital after the riots Wednesday and Thursday. Fighting had also broken out in the southern city of Kismayu.

“What happened over the last 48 to 72 hours won’t, as far as we can see, have any effect on our withdrawal or the size of our residual force,” Marine Col. Fred Peck, U.S. military spokesman said.

In Washington, White House spokesman George Stephanopoulos also expressed optimism that the U.S.-led forces would hand over peacekeeping duties to U.N. forces, probably in mid-April.

U.N. Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali said Thursday that the rioting would not delay the transfer. He is studying a May 1 transfer date. But his spokesman on Friday was less optimistic. “Obviously these events will have an effect and will have to be considered,” said Joe Sills.

Four hundred more troops left Friday, dipping U.S. military strength below 17,000. Some U.S. troops will remain in Somalia beyond a transfer of command for the U.S.-led Operation Restore Hope.

The operation began Dec. 9 to counter clan warfare and ensure relief shipments get to starving Somalis. Altogether, 30,000 troops from 23 nations are involved.

Rioting in Mogadishu broke out after warlord Mohamed Siad Hirsi--known as Gen. Morgan--emerged victorious in Kismayu over a rival, Col. Omar Jess. The violence in the capital left at least six Somalis dead and five American and two Nigerian soldiers wounded.