US airstrike in Somalia leaves three Al-Shabaab commanders dead

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The US Africa Command has announced the death of three 'not notorious' Al-shabaab militants, following a raid in northeastern Kismayo, the regional administrative capital of Jubaland, a state in Western Somali.

Without naming the individuals, the US Africa Command noted that the airstrike was for 'defence' purposes, adding that the team coordinated it with the Somali National Army, who have been working closely the foreign troops in the country.

During the raid, the command adds, no civilian was affected, given that the US army does thorough surveillance before launching an attack. The Command pledged to give further details of the airstrike in due course.

"Africa Command will continue to assess the results of this airstrike and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the units involved and assets used will not be released in order to ensure operational security," read the statement..

"Al Shabaab is the largest and most active al-Qaeda network in the world and has proved both its will and capability to attack U.S. forces and threaten U.S. security interests. U.S. Africa Command, alongside its partners, continues to take action to prevent this malicious terrorist group from planning and conducting attacks on civilians."

This comes at the time Somalia is collaborating with many countries to train her army. On Tuesday, several Somalia Air Force cadets graduated in Qatar, a ceremony attended by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is keen to eliminate al-Shabaab..

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, met with the Emir of Qatar, Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, in Doha today to discuss the enhancement of bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries, as well as the situation in the Horn of Africa region.

He expressed his gratitude to Emir Al Thani and the Qatari government for their brotherly decision to support the unity and independence of Somalia, and for their clear stance against Ethiopia’s intervention in Somalia’s sovereignty, he added..

The Emir of Qatar reaffirmed his support for the Somali government, unity and independence, and warned of the danger of creating instability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea that would affect the stability and harmony of the countries and peoples of the region, state media reports.

GAROWE ONLINE