Airstrike targets Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Over 20 Al-Shabaab militants have been killed in central Somalia, officials said on Sunday, in one of the most effective airstrikes targeting the militants who control large swathes of rural regions of the country, which is struggling to contain the group.

Al-Shabaab has been fighting to control the government of Somalia, but strong resistance from security teams has put the militants at bay, managing to restore order in several other frontlines. The militants are still a threat to general security.

The militants were caught up with the airstrike in Ji'ibow within central Hiiraan in Hirshabelle, officials said. This is the third airstrike in as many weeks but the government of Somalia is yet to acknowledge the fatalities.

Sunday's airstrike left at least 20 militants dead and several others injured. US military's last airstrike in Somalia at FGS request was 10th March.

The US Africa Command along with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) have been working closely in the fight against Al-Shabaab, helping the Somali National Army (SNA) to trace and annihilate members of the criminal gang.

ATMIS team has commenced withdrawal from the country with Somalia insisting that by December 2024, it will be firmly under the control of its territory. However, the recent sporadic attacks expose lapses in the whole process.

By June, 4000 more foreign soldiers are set to leave the country after several years of mission expeditions. The US Africa Command has been integral in air surveillance, which is critical in the pursuit of the militants who are still a danger to stability in East Africa.

The government of Somalia is due to give more updates but the US Africa Command usually takes a little longer due to the diligence that is undertaken. Somalia has made huge steps in the fight against Al-Shabaab in the last two years according to the United Nations.

GAROWE ONLINE