MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United States military said it has killed two members of the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabab group in an air strike carried out in southern Somalia, Garowe Online reports.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the US Africa Command [AFRICOM] said the strike took place on a camp near Jilib district, the main rebel stronghold in Middle Jubba region on June 16.

According to the press release, "no civilians were injured or killed in this drone airstrike" conducted in coordination with the UN-backed Federal Government of Somalia.

The Al-Shabab group is yet to respond to the claims.

The United States military carries out regular air raids in Somalia to assist Somali troops who have been fighting against an Al-Shabab rebellion for years.

Last year, at least 45 air raids were carried out by US armed forces, up from 35 in 2017.

Despite these raids, Al-Shabab continues to hold parts of the country's south and central regions after being chased out of Mogadishu and and other key areas several years ago.

GAROWE ONLINE