Somalia: US troops help SNA rescue 30 children from Al-Shabab

Image

MOGADISHU, Somalia - US troops helped Somalia's security forces rescue approximately 30 child conscript soldiers Thursday during a raid on an al-Shabaab camp, a US military official tells CNN.

The team of US Special Operations Forces was advising local Somali troops during the raid on the militant camp in the Middle Shabelle region of Somalia, the official added.

The US military also carried out an airstrike against al-Shabaab militants Thursday, "killing four terrorists," approximately 50 kilometers (about 30 miles) northwest of Kismayo, according to a statement from US Africa Command, which oversees US troops in the region.

"US forces will continue to use all authorized and appropriate measures to protect US citizens and to disable terrorist threats," the statement added.

Al-Shabaab is al Qaeda's affiliate in Somalia. The US has carried out over 30 airstrikes against the terror group since President Donald Trump granted the military the authority to target al-Shabaab in 2017.

The US has about 500 troops in Somalia including Special Operations Forces working as military advisers and conventional logistics personnel. US Navy SEALs are often deployed to serve as advisers to Somali security forces.

Earlier this week US troops accompanied Somali forces during a patrol in Baar-Sunguuni, Somalia, as part of an effort to "further establish Somali National Security Forces presence in the region and deter al-Shabaab from conducting terrorist activities against the Somali people," US Africa Command told CNN.

The US recently suspended some aid to Somalia's security forces over concerns about corruption, however, the US continues to provide aid to those Somali units that are advised by American military personnel.

Related Articles

Victims of Al-Shabaab hotel attack in Somalia airlifted to Turkey

Somalia believes that the local defence forces are well-trained and equipped to undertake security responsibilities in the country.

  • Somalia

    17-03-2024

  • 02:21PM

Lower House: Our staff not involved in Al-Shabaab hotel raid

Abdirahman Mohamed Abdulle Jaabari, the Secretary General of Parliament, said that the ID used by the attackers was fake.

  • Somalia

    17-03-2024

  • 01:49PM