Airstrikes Hit Al-Shabaab Stronghold in southern Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Fresh airstrikes were reported on Friday in southern Somalia as the Somali National Army (SNA), the US Africa Command, and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) work hard to dislodge the al-Shabaab militants.

The militants, who still dominate central and southern regions, have been subjected to persistent airstrikes in the country over the last few months, with the ground forces encountering the group in several frontlines where the group is a thorn in the flesh.

According to reports, at least two explosions from suspected airstrikes were reported on Friday evening in the vicinity of Basra, an al-Shabaab stronghold between Bal’ad and Afgoye, a resident said, without giving many details.

Before the airstrikes, witnesses said the area was lit with bright flares. It is not clear who staged the airstrikes, but the US Africa Command is known for such missions, but strictly does them in collaboration with the federal government of Somalia.

The airstrikes are important in curtailing the movements of the militants, giving the ground forces a technical and logistical advantage in pursuing the militants. The US Africa Command always conducts thorough investigations.

Besides the Command, Turkish forces have also been instrumental in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants, helping the ground forces with airstrikes. The Turkish drones are used to target Al-Shabaab with close coordination from the Gorgor troops.

GAROWE ONLINE