MOGADISHU: The US military has reported that it conducted an airstrike in southern Somalia, targeting Al-Shabab militants and resulting in the deaths of 13 fighters. The operation was carried out as part of a “collective self-defense airstrike” at the request of the Somali government.
The Somali government, along with its allied forces, initiated a campaign a year ago with the aim of pushing Al-Shabab militants out of central parts of the country. Despite the efforts, Al-Shabab continues to carry out significant attacks, underscoring the ongoing security challenges in the region.
The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) revealed that the airstrike was conducted on Saturday near Seiera, situated approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) northwest of Kismayo. The strike was in support of the Somali National Army, which was engaged in combat with Al-Shabab militants at the time.
AFRICOM’s preliminary assessment suggests that the airstrike successfully neutralized 13 Al-Shabab fighters, and no civilian casualties were reported. The organization emphasized its commitment to collaborating with the Somali National Army to counter extremist threats and maintain stability in the region.
Somalia’s Army Achieves Significant Milestone
Just recently, Somalia’s army and its allied forces achieved a significant milestone by capturing El Buur, a major stronghold of the Al-Shabab militia in the central region. This accomplishment marks a notable advancement in the ongoing campaign against the extremist group.
However, despite the gains made in the fight against Al-Shabab, many military experts and individuals involved in the campaign remain cautious, highlighting that complete eradication of the group’s presence poses considerable challenges and remains a complex goal.
