Persistent Fighting in Somalia Forces Out Last U.S. Envoys

The last American diplomats in Somalia lowered the flag at their compound Thursday and left the country, conceding that persistent fighting made their job too difficult.

Their departure comes almost two years after the first U.S. troops arrived to help Somalia recover from famine and anarchy. Many lives were saved by the relief operation, but it soured as Somali warlords turned on Americans and the U.S. public lost faith that peace could be brought to the country.

Marine guards turned over security to U.N. troops and left Thursday morning for Mombasa, Kenya, said a U.S. diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

All the American diplomats at the liaison office in Mogadishu, including Ambassador Daniel Simpson, were sent to Nairobi, Kenya, said diplomatic sources in Nairobi.

Meanwhile, the United States may send American combat troops back into Somalia to protect U.N. peacekeeping forces as they withdraw, U.S. and U.N. officials said Thursday.

The United Nations has formally asked the United States for military aircraft and vessels to help carry its troops away from Somalia, officials from both sides said.

The United States has reached no decision on the requests, U.S. officials said.