Latest U.S. airstrikes in Somalia dealt a huge blow to the Al-Qaeda affiliate, Al-Shabaab. A coordinated U.S. airstrike killed eight Al-Shabaab members in the vicinity of Saaxa Weyne in Somalia, on Jan. 17.
Sources from the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed of the airstrikes and noted that, the airstrike targeted and took out leaders of the Al-Shabaab terrorist group. According to the command, no civilians were injured or killed as a result of the operation.
Eight terrorist operatives were killed in the air bombardment including top Al-Shabaab leaders and the group’s local area commander, Mukhtar Nurow.
AFRICOM sources indicate that the precision airstrike targeted known Al-Shabaab leaders who facilitated finance, weapons, fighters, and explosives. One is suspected of being involved in a previous attack against U.S. and Somali forces.
In about a week ago, AFRICOM in support of Somali troops launched two airstrikes against Al-Shabaab compounds in the vicinity of Qunyo Barrow. Assessments conducted after the missions indicated that the strikes had killed three Al-Shabaab operatives and wounded another. The strikes had destroyed six Al-Shabaab compound buildings and damaged one.
Despite the much anticipated U.S. withdrawal of it forces from Somalia, its clear U.S. remains committed in disruption of Al-Shabaab plans through persistent strikes in support of the Somalia troops and the Federal Government.
