US forces have carried out airstrikes against Al-shabab fighters in Southern Somalia, killing two of the group’s fighters and injuring another, the military announced on Tuesday.
The operation launched on 26th this month took place in Jilib town, about 372 kilometres South-west of the capital Mogadishu, according to a US Africa Command (AFRICOM) statement.
“In coordination with the federal government of Somalia, U.S. forces conducted an airstrike against Al-shabab on Feb. 26 in the vicinity of Jilib, Somalia, killing two (2) fighters and wounding another,” the statement said.
No civilians were killed during the attack, according the statement. The U.S. said they are ready to support and protects their citizens.
“U.S. forces will continue to use all authorized and appropriate measures to protect U.S citizens and to disable terrorist threats. This includes partnering with AMISOM and Somali National Security Forces (SNSF) in combined counterterrorism operations and targeting terrorists, their camps, and their safe havens throughout Somalia and the region,” the military vowed.
AFRICOM noted that together with other international partners, United States is committed to providing Somalia, AMISOM and Somali National Security Forces the support they need in the fight against violent extreme organizations.
U.S carried out two other air raids in this month where they confirmed to have killed four Al-shabab fighters and injured two other.
The allied forces including United States, African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) are helping Somali National Army in its operations to defeat Al-shabab fighters.
Al-shabab lost many towns in South and central Somalia including Mogadishu to Somali forces and AMISOM troops.
The group aims at toppling Somali government which is backed by international community and impose its strict interpretation of Islamic sharia.
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