What were the impacts of the US-led coalition's intervention in the War in Somalia (2006-2009) on Al-Shabaab?

The US-led coalition's intervention in the War in Somalia (2006-2009) had significant impacts on Al-Shabaab, the militant group that had taken control of large parts of southern Somalia.

The intervention began in December 2006, when the Ethiopian military, with the backing of the United States, invaded Somalia to oust the Islamic Courts Union, which had taken control of the capital, Mogadishu, and much of southern Somalia. Al-Shabaab, which had emerged as a militant offshoot of the Islamic Courts Union, fought against the Ethiopian and US-backed forces.

The intervention initially weakened Al-Shabaab, and by early 2007, it had lost control of most of the territory it had seized in the previous year. However, Al-Shabaab adapted to the new reality and shifted its focus from conventional warfare to guerrilla tactics, carrying out hit-and-run attacks and suicide bombings against Ethiopian and government forces, as well as civilian targets.

The US also carried out a number of drone strikes against Al-Shabaab targets in Somalia, killing several of the group's leaders. However, the strikes also caused civilian casualties and fueled anti-American sentiment in Somalia.

The intervention ultimately failed to achieve its objectives of stabilizing Somalia and eliminating Al-Shabaab. The group remained active and continued to carry out attacks in Somalia and neighboring countries. In fact, some experts argue that the intervention actually strengthened Al-Shabaab by providing it with a rallying cry and a reason to recruit new members.