The U.S. military has been involved in Somalia before, notably in the ill-fated 1993 Battle of Mogadishu that ended with 18 American soldiers killed.

CNN: U.S. supported France's failed hostage rescue in Somalia

Thirteen years ago this week, a pitched battle erupted in Mogadishu that led to the deaths of 18 American servicemen.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: An African Taliban