Loud explosions from heavy airstrikes were heard in the Basra area, a strategically located region between the towns of Balcad and Afgoye, situated along the border between the Middle Shabelle and Lower Shabelle regions.
Eyewitnesses in the area reported hearing the strikes in Basra, a location frequently visited by members and commanders of the militant group Al-Shabaab (AS).
Emerging reports suggest that the airstrikes targeted bases believed to host Al-Shabaab operatives. However, the identity of those responsible for carrying out the strikes has not yet been officially confirmed.
The United States has this year increased its aerial strikes targeting Al-Shabaab and ISIS in Somalia, in support of the Federal Government of Somalia’s counterterrorism operations.
As of now, neither the Somali Federal Government nor the U.S. has issued any statement regarding the airstrikes.
Mustaqbal
