Somalia: Airstrike hits Al Shabaab base, kills 6 militants
DUGULLE, Somalia - At least six militants were killed, and many more injured in a suspected U.S. military airstrikes on Al Shabaab camp in southern Somalia, Garowe Online reports.
According to sources, American soldiers backed by Somali commandos using helicopter carried out an anti-terror operation in Dugulle located 50 km north of Qoryoley district in Lower Shabelle region.
The helicopters dropped troops on the outskirts of Dugulle, who engaged in a deadly gun battle with the Al Shabaab fighters, according to the residents.
The residents of Dugulle said at least 6 militants were killed, several wounded in explosions and gunfire continued about an hour around the rebel-held area.
An Al Shabaab tax office in the area was completely destroyed in the airstrike.Unconfirmed reports say 6 foreign militants were also nabbed in the operation.
U.S. military provides military assistance to Somali government and sporadically launches airstrikes targeting senior Al Shabaab leaders in central and southern Somalia.
A recent leaked report said between 200 and 300 U.S. soldiers are currently operating in Somalia, whom Washington said their role is an advisory to AMISOM and Somali National Army.
GAROWEONLINE