After Al-Shabaab take-over, U.S. military strikes Somalia town 

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The US Africa Command has responded to Wednesday's Al-Shabaab control of the strategic Adan Yabaal town by waging an airstrike, in yet another significant showcase of solidarity with the Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers who had lost the battle.

The takeover of the village was possible due to heavy rains, experts said, noting that it was almost impossible for the military and allies to conduct aerial surveillance before the attack. The militants took advantage and ambushed the troops.

But on Thursday, the US Africa Command is said to have initiated an airstrike killing at least 12 militants instantly in the town within the precarious Middle Shabelle region, which is facing a major threat of Al-Shabaab dominance.

The Somali government said Thursday the airstrike hit a site used by the militants for gathering and as a hideout. Senior Al-Shabaab members were killed, but their names are not yet public, with the US Africa Command still doing due diligence.

However, no civilian casualties were reported, the government of Somalia said. The takeover of Adan Yabaal was preceded by another catastrophic blow to the local military after losing Aboorey village within Middle Shabelle.

Elsewhere, at least 10 Al-Shabaab fighters were killed by the Somali National Army within the outskirts of Baidoa, the regional administrative capital of Southwest. The military responded to a planned attack within Gasarta in Deynuunay.

Pictures from the scene showed the bodies of the militants as large numbers of members of the public swarmed the area to witness the success of the Somali National Army.

“The Khawarij terrorists tried to carry out an attack, but our brave forces were prepared and defeated them decisively,” a military official stated. “Their bodies remain at the scene as a clear message that such threats will not be tolerated.”

However, the number may have surged from the initial 10 to around 35 militants, according to the state media. The 60th Division of the 8th Brigade was in charge of Thursday's operations.

"Somali forces have annihilated Al-Shabaab militants in a crushing defeat - initial reports of 10 killed in Gasarta have now surged to over 35 terrorists dead and 60+ wounded in Daynuunay after the 60th Division's 8th Brigade, led by Commander Hassan Ali Sanweyne, obliterated their attack, with SNA and Southwest Daraawish forces now hunting fleeing militants in a major victory Defeat Al-Shabaab," state media reports.

GAROWE ONLINE