US military strikes Al-Shabaab base in Somalia, again

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The US army has yet again unleashed on an Al-Shabaab compound in Somalia, bringing the total of all airstrikes this year to four, despite the minimal presence of the troops, who were almost completely withdrawn from the country which has been in shambles for several decades.

In a statement published by the US Africa Command, the latest airstrike targeted the Islamist militants in the vicinity of Tiyeeglow town and it was coordinated by the American troops and those serving the federal government of Somalia.

Initial assessments, the US Africa Command said, indicate the strike destroyed one al-Shabaab compound. The town is found within the notorious Lower Shabelle region, which the loyal forces have been working hard to liberate from the militants.

The command’s initial assessment is that no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this operation. In previous outings, there have been complaints from members of the civil society and other stakeholders about civilian casualties.

“Al-Shabaab has carried out deadly suicide and terror attacks in Somalia including the recent attack targeting Danab leadership as well as recent bombing campaigns that have displaced thousands of Somali civilians. We will continue to support our partners and disrupt al-Shabaab’s efforts,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Dagvin Anderson, Joint Task Force - Quartz commander. “Our strike today combined with our partners’ efforts helps keep these violent extremists at bay.

”Joint Task Force - Quartz operations support U.S. Africa Command and international efforts that promote a peaceful and stable Somalia. Violent extremist organizations like al-Shabaab present long-term threats to the U.S. and regional interests, the command said in a statement.

The US troops withdrew from Somalia on January 15 following an order by outgoing US President Donald Trump and the Department of Defense.

There were close to 700 soldiers in the war-torn nation whose main duty was to train the Danab Special Forces besides providing aerial support for the combat troops.

GAROWE ONLINE