While the term “military involvement” often evokes images of
large-scale invasions, U.S. activities
on the continent have more commonly taken the form of humanitarian missions,
peacekeeping support, counterterrorism operations, medical aid, and emergency
response.

This article provides a full overview of African countries
where the U.S. has deployed military personnel or resources, and why.

1. Somalia (1992–1994)

Nature of involvement: Humanitarian + Peace enforcement

In response to a devastating civil war and widespread
famine, the U.S. deployed troops to Somalia under Operation Restore Hope in
1992, later transitioning into a broader UN mission. While initially focused on
facilitating aid delivery, the conflict between armed factions escalated,
forcing U.S. forces into combat engagements, including the infamous Battle of
Mogadishu in 1993.
The mission ended in 1994, becoming one of the most significant U.S. military
operations in Africa.

Why the U.S. intervened:

• Prevent
  mass famine
• Protect
  aid workers
• Stabilize
  warring regions

2. Liberia (2014–2015)

Nature of involvement: Humanitarian assistance

During the peak of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, the
U.S. deployed troops and logistical support to Liberia to help contain the
outbreak. The mission included constructing treatment facilities, transporting
supplies, and training healthcare workers.

Why the U.S. intervened:

• Support
  overwhelmed health systems
• Prevent
  regional spread of Ebola
• Aid
  international emergency response

3. Senegal (2014–2015)

Nature of involvement: Humanitarian assistance

Senegal served as a strategic staging ground during the
Ebola crisis. U.S. forces provided logistical and medical support to help
coordinate regional response efforts. The assistance helped prevent the
outbreak from overwhelming weak public health systems beyond Liberia and Sierra
Leone.

Why the U.S. intervened:

• Support
  regional Ebola response
• Strengthen
  medical infrastructure

4. Kenya (1998)

Nature of involvement: Disaster relief

After a coordinated terrorist bombing struck the U.S.
Embassy in Nairobi, hundreds were killed and thousands injured. U.S. forces
mobilized to provide medical care, rescue services, and logistical support. The
operation was largely humanitarian, focused on recovery and investigation.

Why the U.S. intervened:

• Respond
  to U.S. embassy bombing
• Provide
  medical and rescue support
• Conduct
  recovery and security operations

5. Tanzania (1998)

Nature of involvement: Disaster relief

The same attack that hit Kenya targeted the U.S. Embassy in
Dar es Salaam. As in Nairobi, the U.S. military deployed to treat victims,
assist in disaster recovery, and investigate the terror attack.

Why the U.S. intervened:

• Respond
  to U.S. embassy bombing
• Support
  rescue and medical operations
• Assist
  in counterterror investigations

6. West Africa (Regional) — 2014–2015

Nature of involvement: Humanitarian (health crisis
response)

Beyond Liberia and Senegal, U.S. military involvement
extended to other parts of West Africa during the Ebola outbreak. This support
included logistics, airlift operations, and technical medical aid across
several countries.

Why the U.S. intervened:

• Prevent
  spread of Ebola across the region
• Bolster
  regional healthcare capacity