Somalia: US airstrike kills two militants, 1st in 2018

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The U.S. military said it killed two militants after conducting an airstrike in Somalia on Tuesday against al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group Al-Shabab, Garowe Online reports.

The United States Africa Command [AFRICOM] said in a statement that the airstrike was carried out in an undisclosed area, about 50 Kilometers west of Mogadishu, the Somali capital on Tuesday, 2nd January 2018 and caused no civilian casualties. 

The airstrike which was the first in Somalia in the new year has destroyed one vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, preventing it from being used against the people in Mogadishu, read the statement.

"U.S. forces will continue to use all authorized and appropriate measures to protect Americans and to disable terrorist threats," the press release added.

After Trump administration given green light, the U.S. military has escalated its campaign to defeat the Al-Shabab, the group responsible for deadly attacks and bombings in Somalia and neighboring countries.

There have been roughly 37 airstrikes in Somalia in 2017, killing hundreds of militants, including pro-Islamic State group fighters based in the country's northeastern semi-autonomous region of Puntland.

According to the Pentagon, there are approximately 500 U.S. troops in Somalia, up from 50 in the beginning of the past year.

GAROWE ONLINE