US army confirms airstrike against Al-Qaeda affiliate in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The US Africa Command has confirmed the recent airstrike in Somalia, following increased surveillance and operations against al-Qaeda linked group; the al-Shabaab, who are fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia.

Along with the Somali National Army (SNA) and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), the American army has been working hard to eliminate al-Shabaab, a group that still controls large swathes of rural central and southern regions.

In a statement, the US army said upon the request of the Somali army, an airstrike was launched in Yaq Dabel in Jubaland, which U.S. a remote area where al-Shabaab militants have been waging endless attacks mainly targeting security teams and innocent civilians.

According to the command, an assessment done shows two Al-Shabab militants were killed on the spot, adding that no civilian was 'harmed' in the operation. The victims are believed to belong to the logistics team which is responsible for attacks.

"U.S. 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 to ensure operational security," read the statement.

"Al Shabaab is the largest and most deadly 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," the statement further read.

U.S. Africa Command, alongside its partners, continues to take action to prevent this malicious terrorist group from planning and conducting attacks on civilians, the statement further acknowledged, while insisting on a close partnership with Somalia.

"Somalia remains key to the security environment in East Africa. U.S. Africa Command's forces will continue training, advising, and equipping partner forces to give them the tools that they need to degrade al Shabaab."

GAROWE ONLINE