Mogadishu (SD) – Nearly 700 US troops serving in Somalia have been completely evacuated from the country, according to Pentagon officials.

The withdrawal of US troops from Somalia has been completed, two days after their deadline, they have been in Somalia to pursue and defend US and regional interests.

This comes at a time when Somalia is facing contentious presidential and parliamentary elections, and Al Shabab intensifying its fight against the Federal Government and AMISOM troops.

The U.S. military officials say the United States will continue to support the Somali government and its operations against the Islamist group al-Shabab.

The bulk of US troops entered Somalia in 2007, and their main mission was to help train Somali federal government forces.

US special forces during their operations in Somalia have killed a number of al-Shabaab leaders mainly in drone strikes.

The U.S. military command officials say some of the troops who left Somalia will be sent to neighboring countries.

Outgoing US President Donald Trump has ordered the withdrawal of all US troops from Somalia by January 15, according to a reports from the Pentagon.