Somali, U.S. Forces Kill 10 Al-Shabaab Militants in Airstrike Near Kismayo

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somali National Army (SNA) units, bolstered by U.S. Air Force precision strikes, neutralized at least 10 Al-Shabaab members in a coordinated offensive in the Berhani area, roughly 35 kilometers northwest of Kismayo, security sources said on Sunday.

The joint operation was aimed at preempting a planned attack by Al-Shabaab, sources said. The strike targeted a known Al-Shabaab outpost where intelligence suggested the militants were organizing their next move against Somali military targets.

"This operation was a clear message to Al-Shabaab that their terror will not go unchecked," a senior Somali military official told Garowe Online, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

The involvement of U.S. forces underscores the ongoing international cooperation aimed at dismantling Al-Shabaab's networks. The United States has been actively supporting Somalia in its fight against Al-Shabaab and ISIS, which has plagued the country for over three decades.

The latest military action is part of a wider strategy to weaken Al-Shabaab's grip in southern Somalia, where the group has been launching attacks to oust the government. The Somali government, alongside its international partners, has intensified operations against the militants, focusing on both direct combat and initiatives to cut off their financial and logistical support.

The operation's success is seen as a pivotal moment in the campaign to secure the region, with hopes it will lead to a decrease in militant activities and foster an environment conducive to peace and reconstruction in Somalia. However, analysts caution that while such strikes can disrupt Al-Shabaab's plans, a comprehensive approach involving economic development and governance is crucial for long-term stability.

The Somali government has yet to release an official statement, but the State Media confirmed the operation and the casualty number.

GAROWE ONLINE