US military: We have not participated airstrike in Puntland

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The US Africa Command has said it did not participate in an operation within the Federal state of Puntland, which is the most stable within the Horn of Africa nation, Somalia.

The AFRICOM statement came after the federal government of Somalia reported an airstrike in Puntland state, noting that over 20 Al-Shabaab militants were killed, adding that international partners also took part in the operation, which also left dozens injured.

"In a coordinated operation, security forces and international partners killed over 20 AlShabaab militants, including three key leaders, in the Almadow mountains of Puntland State," read the statement by the state media, quoting military sources.

However, the statement was refuted by Puntland authorities which maintained that the government had not participated in any airstrike, adding that the Somali National Army (SNA) had never been within the vicinity where the operation was carried.

The US military in Africa now says AFRICOM was not involved in this operation in Cal Madow mountains reported by the Somali federal government on May 26, contradicting reports by the government of Somalia, which is actively involved in the Al-Shabab war.

Information minister for the regional administration of Puntland confirmed there were “explosions” but said there was no proof the explosions were the result of strikes. Mohamud Aydid Dirir also disputed that the Somali government was involved.

Meanwhile, a local resident also reported a “middle” and three explosions and said he believed it was an air strike in the Cal Madow. Airstrikes are usually activated as a form of aerial surveillance and in support of combat troops.

The US Africa Command has been assisting the Somali National Army (SNA) and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops in executing such operations. Alshabaab has lost substantive grounds since the operation kicked off.

GAROWE ONLINE