US troops targeted in indirect fire attack near Somalia’s Kismayo: AFRICOM

U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division soldiers deployed with U.S. Army Forces Africa stand with Somali National Army soldiers during a graduation ceremony May 24, 2017, in Mogadishu, Somalia. The logistics course focused on various aspects of moving personnel, equipment and supplies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas M. Byers) Staff Sgt. Nicholas Byers/U.S. Air Force

MOGADISHU, Somalia — U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) said its forces came under indirect fire near the southern Somali city of Kismayo on Thursday, but reported no casualties or damage.

In a statement posted on X, AFRICOM confirmed the attack, describing it as “indirect fire” and saying it occurred near a coalition base outside Kismayo, the capital of the Lower Juba region.

“There are no reported U.S. injuries, and no confirmed damage to the base or coalition equipment at this time,” the statement read.

The incident comes amid rising tensions in the region, where U.S. forces are stationed in support of Somali and regional partners fighting the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab militant group.

Meanwhile, al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack, saying its fighters carried out a “planned operation” targeting the U.S. military compound at the Kismayo airport. In a statement published on its affiliated media channels, the group alleged it inflicted both fatalities and injuries on U.S. troops and commanders.

Al-Shabab said the attack was part of a wider retaliation for what it described as U.S. support for Israeli military operations in Gaza.

The Kismayo base targeted in the attack is known to host joint operations, including airstrike coordination, against al-Shabab militants in the Jubbaland region.

AFRICOM said it continues to assess the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

GAROWE ONLINE