Financier of Kenya's Westgate Mall, DusitD2 Attacks Killed in Somalia Airstrike

MOGADISHU, Somalia - For the second time this year, the US Africa Command has confirmed airstrike targeting Al-Shabaab militants, with both coming towards the end of last year, killing several terrorists who have been wreaking havoc in the country.

The most recent airstrike was carried out on December 31st, killing at least 10 Al-Shabaab militants, the US Africa Command said, adding that the action was 'self-defense' against the militants in Beer Xaani, 35 kilometers northwest of Kismayo.

The initial post-strike assessment indicated the airstrike killed 10 al-Shabaab militants while no civilians were harmed, the statement read, with the team also confirming the evacuation of soldiers who were injured in the incident.

"In addition to the airstrike, U.S. forces provided support to Somali forces by evacuating Soldiers that were attacked while fighting the terrorist group," the team said.

"Al-Shabaab has proved both its will and capability to attack U.S. and partner forces. This terrorist group’s malicious efforts threaten U.S. and international security interests both in and outside the continent of Africa."

For decades, the U.S. Africa Command has united alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces in their pursuit of peace and stability, targeting Al-Shabaab militants in the process. The al-Shabaab targets innocent civilians and security forces.

Throughout the process, the U.S. Africa Command takes great measures to prevent civilian casualties. "Protecting civilians remains a vital part of the command’s operations to promote a more secure and stable Africa," the statement added.

On Monday, the team also confirmed the elimination of Mohamed Mire alias Abu Abdirahman, a senior Al-Shabaab fighter killed in a similar airstrike on December 24th. Mire was in charge of finances during the Westgate Mall attack (2013) and the Dusit D2 raid (2019) both in Kenya.

GAROWE ONLINE