US military confirms airstrike targeted Al-Shabaab in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The US Africa Command has confirmed the most recent airstrike in Somalia, noting that one senior Al-Shabaab member was killed in what had been described as a "good outing" by the federal government of Somalia which had also participated in the operation.

According to the Command, the operation took place in Middle Jubba, one of the notorious strongholds for the militants who have been fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia which is trying to stabilize.

The Command further insists no civilian casualty was reported in the December 17th operation, one of the few outings by Washington, a key ally of Somalia’s stabilization mission. The US does thorough research before starting such missions.

"U.S. Africa Command takes great measures to prevent civilian casualties. Protecting civilians remains a vital part of the command’s operations to promote a more secure and stable Africa," read the statement.

"This is another step to defeat the terrorist group that undermines Somalia’s peace and development. Al-Shabaab is the largest and most kinetically 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."

The Command also said it will continue to work closely with the government of Somalia in the stabilization mission, noting that there is a need for the Horn of Africa nation to be fully supported given its strategic location in the African continent and for the general well-being of the people.

"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," it said.

"U.S. Africa Command will continue to assess the results of the operation and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the units involved and assets used will not be released to ensure operational security."

GAROWE ONLINE