Tech. Sgt. Christopher Ruano/ AP
Renewed competition with Russia and China means Africa is growing as an arena for geopolitical maneuvering.
The US commandos who fought extremist groups in Africa for 20 years now have to counter Chinese and Russian influence there as well.
As competition between the US and China and Russia ramps up, Africa is once more becoming a geopolitical battlefield.
US special-operations forces have long had a presence in Africa. Over the last 20 years, American commandos have focused on fighting terrorism, mainly in North and East Africa.
Now, in addition to fighting violent extremist groups, they have to counter Chinese and Russian overtures in a region where great powers are increasingly competing for access, influence, and resources.