WASHINGTON, May 16 (Aljazeera) - United States President Joe Biden has authorised the deployment of American troops to Somalia, reversing a decision by his predecessor Donald Trump last year to remove nearly all forces that had been operating there.

The White House on Monday confirmed Biden’s decision, which was based on a request made by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. It was first reported by The New York Times (NYT).

“The President has approved a request from the secretary of defence to reestablish a persistent US military presence in Somalia to enable a more effective fight against al Shabab, which has increased in strength and proposed poses a heightened threat,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

“This is a repositioning of forces already in theatre who have traveled in and out of Somalia on an episodic basis since the previous administration made the decision to withdraw,” Jean-Pierre said.

Prior to Trump’s withdrawal, the United States had about 700 troops in Somalia focused on helping local forces defeat al-Shabab. The US military has also occasionally carried out strikes in the country and has had troops in nearby countries.

The NYT report cited an official saying the US decision was approved in early May and would include the deployment of no more than 450 troops. An official told Reuters it would be fewer than 500.