Airstrikes Hit Al-Shabaab-Held Somali Town Amid Military Advance

KISMAYO, Somalia - Multiple airstrikes have been reported in the Al-Shabaab-controlled town of Jamame in Lower Jubba, following a coordinated operation that comes moments after the Somali National Army (SNA) targeted the group within the same vicinity.

Powered by the US Africa Command, the precision airstrikes, which are yet to be verified by the US army, are carried out frequently upon the request of the Somali government during ground combats by the Somali National Army in volatile areas.

However, reports from the town claim that at least 10 civilians have reportedly been killed in Jamame town, Lower Jubba, following suspected US airstrikes, which local sources say were carried out in coordination with Jubbaland forces. Among the dead are eight children.

Witnesses say homes and businesses were destroyed during the strikes. The US military usually targets suspected Al-Shabaab positions in the region, but previous operations have occasionally resulted in civilian casualties.

The strike comes amid security operations in the forest areas north of Kismayo town earlier yesterday. Regional officials say the federal and regional forces have now returned to their camps following the airstrikes within the region.

In most cases, the US Africa Command carries out due diligence before unleashing on the al-Shabaab, and it takes time for the report of casualties to come out. The US Africa Command has often been linked to the deaths of civilians, but only a handful of cases have been compensated.

The Jubaland regional forces have played a key role in the stabilisation of the region, but still, more needs to be done to fully dislodge the Al-Shabaab militants from strategic areas. The Al-Shabaab group is fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE