At least one al-Shabaab fighters has been killed in US conducted airstrike in Lower Shabelle region.
In a statement, U.S. Africa Command said in coordination with the Somali government, U.S. military conducted an airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab in the vicinity of Qunyo Barrow, Somalia.
“At this time, it is assessed the airstrike killed one (1) terrorist. Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike,” the statement reads in part.
According to Maj. Gen. William Gayler, director of operations, U.S. Africa Command, the attack happened on Tuesday.
“This strike is an example of the pressure U.S. Africa Command places on terrorist networks, including the al-Qaida aligned al-Shabaab,” said Gayler.
The director underscored that US military is committed to degrade al-Shabaab and other armed groups against Somali government.
“This persistent pressure limits the terrorists’ freedom of movement, creates confusion within the network, and supports our Somali partners as they continue to take the fight to al-Shabaab,” he noted.
He pledged that U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with its partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia from AMISOM to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States.
“In support of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces will use all effective and appropriate methods to assist in the protection of the Somali people, including partnered military counterterrorism operations with the Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM, and Somali National Army forces,” he vowed.
