US military launches two airstrikes against Al-Shabaab in Somalia
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Staff reporter Garowe Online
- Posted On 20-01-2021, 01:46PM
MOGADISHU, Somalia - For the second day in a row, the US Africa Command waged airstrikes against the Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia, bringing the total of drone strikes to 6 since the beginning of this year, in yet another indicator that the war against the militants is still ripe.
The command has been carrying out operations against Al-Shabaab in Somalia, targeting their various hideouts in the country, including Lower Shabelle and several parts of Somalia. Some militants have been killed during the process.
On January 19, the Command waged two airstrikes in the country within the vicinity of Jamaame and Deb Scinnele, Lower Jubba region of southern Somalia, just two days after a bomb targeting Lower Shabelle governor at Tihsile killed 4 Danab soldiers and wounded the special force' chief.
Initial assessments, the command said, indicate the strikes killed three Al-Shabaab operatives. The command’s initial assessment is that no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this operation, added the command.
“These strikes targeted known al-Shabaab leaders involved in IED facilitation, fighter training, and attack planning,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Dagvin Anderson, Joint Task Force-Quartz commander.
“Striking these leaders disrupts Al-Shabaab’s ability to attack our partners and indiscriminately kill innocent civilians with improvised explosive devices. We are working closely with our Somali partners to support their operations against Al-Shabaab, protect their people, and provide governance.”
Early in this week, a drone strike destroyed the Al-Shabaab's Andalus Radio's compound in Tiyeglow town of Bakol region. No casualties were reported as a result of the US raid.
Joint Task Force - Quartz operations support U.S. Africa Command and international efforts that promote a peaceful and stable Somalia. Violent extremist organizations like al-Shabaab present long-term threats to the U.S. and regional interests, the Command noted.
GAROWE ONLINE
