1. Landmines and other explosive remnants of war (ERW) are scattered throughout Somalia as a result of years of civil war and internal conflicts.
2. Al-Shabaab’s access to poorly secured weapons stockpiles aggravates violence, fuels crime, and poses a threat to security in Somalia and throughout the Horn of Africa.
3. The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) is working with the Somali National Army to successfully curb the control and influence of al-Shabaab.
4. The international community, with the strong leadership of the United States, has made great strides in countering piracy off the Horn of Africa, and pirate attacks off the coast Somalia are at the lowest levels since 2006.
5. The U.S. is committed to supporting Somalia, providing over $1.5 billion in assistance since 2009 and over $300 million in FY2013 alone.
6. In January 2013, the United States recognized the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS).

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