U.S. forces carried out an airstrike over the weekend targeting al-Shabab militants in Somalia, according to a statement released by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).
The strike was conducted approximately 40 miles northwest of Kismayo, an area where al-Shabab fighters were reportedly operating. AFRICOM described the group as both willing and capable of launching attacks against U.S. forces.
“AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al-Shabab’s ability to plan and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad,” the command said in the statement.
Specific details about the units or assets involved in the operation were withheld to protect operational security.
Somalia has long struggled with insurgencies, particularly from al-Shabab and ISIS-affiliated militants. The U.S. has supported Somali forces for years with targeted airstrikes and other military assistance aimed at disrupting extremist operations.
In April, AFRICOM reported four airstrikes in Somalia: three targeting ISIS operatives and one aimed at al-Shabab. At least one of the strikes reportedly hit multiple targets.
