The UN Security Council has authorized a new African Union force set to deploy in Somalia to combat the militant group Al-Shabaab, following a vote that saw 14 of 15 members in favor, with the United States abstaining. The new mission, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), will replace the African Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) starting January 1. Al-Shabaab continues to pose a significant threat to Somalia, and the transition comes amid ongoing regional tensions, particularly between Somalia and Ethiopia.