Somalia: US airstrike removes an imminent threat to Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The U.S. military says it has carried out an airstrike against Al-Shabaab in southern Somalia on Tuesday as the Trump administration steps up attacks in the Horn of Africa, Garowe Online reports.

A statement released by United States Africa Command [AFRICOM] and obtained by GO said the raid was targeted an explosives-laden vehicle heading to the capital in the early morning hours about 65 kilometers southwest of the capital.

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces conducted an air strike in Somalia that successfully removed an imminent threat to the people of Mogadishu and no civilians were killed, the statement said in part.

In March of this year, President Trump has approved expanded military operations against Al-Shabaab, the deadliest Islamic extremist group in Africa, including more aggressive airstrikes in areas of active hostilities.

The U.S. has deployed an estimated 500 soldiers in Somalia to help SNA and AMISOM troops in the fight aimed at rooting out the Al Qaeda-linked militant group Al Shabaab and disable terrorist threats against American citizens in the region.

GAROWE ONLINE