Exclusive - Somali police get first drones to combat Islamist bombings

Somali police officers watch instructor Brett Velicovich (R) fly a DJI Inspire drone during a drone training session for Somali police in Mogadishu, Somalia May 25, 2017. Picture taken May 25, 2017. REUTERS/Feisal Omar

MOGADISHU/NAIROBI (Reuters) - A former U.S. intelligence specialist has donated surveillance drones to police in Somalia, aiming to help combat a jump in deadly bombings by al Qaeda-linked Islamist insurgents.

The gift comes as U.S. President Donald Trump is increasing military engagement in the region. A member of the U.S. Navy SEAL special forces was killed in Somalia earlier this month on a raid, the first U.S. combat casualty in Somalia since 1993.