The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, reportedly carried out airstrikes targeting Al-Shabaab in Somalia’s Lower Juba region.
AFRICOM said the strikes took place near Welmaro, approximately 40 kilometres west of Jilib, and near Ali Farhan, about 90 kilometres northeast of Jilib.
The US command said the operations achieved their intended objectives and resulted in casualties, although it did not provide further details on the exact number or identities of those affected.
AFRICOM said the strikes were conducted as part of ongoing efforts by the United States, the Somali federal government and Somali Armed Forces to degrade Al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten US forces and citizens abroad.
“The operation is part of efforts by AFRICOM, the Federal Government of Somalia, and the Somali National Army to degrade Al-Shabaab’s capabilities and threats,” AFRICOM said in a statement.
The command did not disclose additional information about the military units or assets involved, citing operational security. It also did not provide a specific figure for Al-Shabaab casualties.
AFRICOM has conducted several airstrikes against Al-Shabaab in Lower Juba and other parts of Somalia this year as part of its counterterrorism operations.
Mustaqbal
