Somalia, US Africa Command conduct airstrike targeting al-Shabaab

"We continue to place pressure on terrorist networks at the same time our Somali partners are making progress on the ground," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William Gayler, director of operations, U.S. Africa Command.

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab terrorist in the vicinity of Jilib, Somalia, on Sept. 3.

 "We continue to place pressure on terrorist networks at the same time our Somali partners are making progress on the ground," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William Gayler, director of operations, U.S. Africa Command. "These strikes certainly disrupt the network and remove terrorists from causing further harm."

At this time, it is assessed the airstrike killed one (1), terrorist. Strikes near Jilib disrupt al-Shabaab’s freedom of maneuver.

Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike. 

U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with its partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia from AMISOM to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States. In support of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces will use all effective and appropriate methods to assist in the protection of the Somali people, including partnered military counterterrorism operations with the Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM, and Somali National Army forces.

(With Inputs from APO)