Twin drone strike kills 11 Al-Shabaab militants in southern Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The US military in coordination with the federal government of Somalia continued with the onslaught against Al-Shabaab militants, targeting yet another hideout in Jilib and Kobon towns, within southern parts of the country.

In a statement, US Africa Command confirmed the death of 10 militants in the April.9 airstrike at Kobon, during a sophisticated operation which was carried out jointly with Danab forces

Also taking part in Kobon raid were Jubaland Special Forces, an indication that the team may have reconciled with the Somali National Army [SNA] after months of wrangles which also dismantled the fight against Al-Shabaab.

The command also conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab terrorists in the vicinity of Jilib, Somalia, Apr. 10. One militant was killed in the town, which is considered as the Al-Shabaab headquarter, AFRICOM said.

During the deadly operations, the U.S. Africa Command said, "We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of these airstrikes".

There have been complaints from human rights groups that such airstrikes have left several civilians dead, a claim which AFRICOM said: "will be thoroughly investigated". So far, AFRICOM has carried 39 airstrikes in Somalia since January, the highest ever within such period.

Somali security forces have also continued to lead operations alongside African Union Mission in Somalia [AMISOM] forces to increase security and seize ground from al-Shabaab.

"Our assistance continues to build on the gains our partners are making," said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Miguel Castellanos, deputy director of operations, U.S. Africa Command.

"The SNA and African partners on the ground keep hitting al-Shabaab hard, and it's having an effect on the al-Shabaab terror network," he added in the statement released on Friday.

Early this week, the US Africa Command announced the death of Yusuf Jiis, one of the most wanted terrorists within Somalia. He was one of three militants killed within Bush Madina of April. 2, AFRICOM confirmed.

The US military usually gives aerial assistance to ground combat forces. Besides that, the elite troops also directly participate in training and arming of the Danaab forces, whose number is currently estimated to be 1200.

By Friday, the total number of Al-Shabaab militants killed in US-sponsored airstrikes within Somalia hit 61. This is the highest ever also within such a period. These officials say, excludes fatalities from the ground combats which could be higher.

Although the allied troops have also recorded significant setbacks, the team has, however, managed to liberate a host of strategic towns within Somalia, installing civilian leadership in the process, FGS said.

SNA troops are set to take over security arrangements in Somalia from 2021 when AU forces formally leave. The AMISOM is largely credited for instilling law and order in Somalia in the last decade.

In support of the FGS, U.S. forces will use all effective and appropriate methods to assist in the protection of the Somali people, including partnered military counterterrorism operations, AFRICOM said.

Together with the partner and allied forces, U.S. Africa Command works on a daily basis to improve security conditions to enhance governance and economic development, it added.

Statistics from the Command indicate that there are about 7,000 active Al-Shabaab fighters within Somalia. The team has however been drastically degraded, due to frequent US airstrikes.

GAROWE ONLINE