MOGADISHU (Halbeeg News) – At least 13 al-Shabaab fighters were killed after U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense airstrike against al Shabaab in the vicinity of Seiera, Somalia, approximately 45 kilometers northwest of Kismayo.
According to a statement, Africom said the collective self-defense airstrike was conducted in support of Somali National Army forces who were engaged by the al-Shabaab organization.
“Working with the Somali National Army, U.S. Africa Command’s initial assessment is that the airstrike killed 13 al Shabaab fighters and that no civilians were injured or killed,” the statement reads in part. “The command will continue to assess the results of this operation and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the units involved and assets used will not be released in order to ensure operations security.”
U.S. Africa Command said it was taking 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. Somalia remains key to the security environment in East Africa. U.S. Africa Command’s forces train, advise, and equip partner forces to give them the tools that they need to degrade al-Shabaab’s terrorist operations,” the mission said.
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