US Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted two airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab explosives experts in the vicinity of Jilib, Somalia. At least 8 al Shabaab members instrumental in the production of explosives for the terror group. The group frequently uses vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) and suicide vests to target civilians and security targets in various regions of Somalia.
The dismantling and or disruption of the production of explosives by the group is a huge setback for the al Qaeda- affiliated group and its operation seeing as most of their attacks have an element of explosives. According to the statement by AFRICOM, since 2018, the group has conducted an estimated 45 VBIED attacks in Mogadishu alone, collectively resulting in the death of over 400 civilians, security forces, and government officials.
The airstrikes come even as the CT efforts in Somalia face imminent setbacks now that the US finally formalized the withdrawal of its troops. The US Department of Defense expressed intentions to withdraw over 700 soldiers who have been serving in Somalia by early 2021, at a time the country is still struggling with frequent Al-Shabaab attacks and some traces of ISIS branch in Somalia raids. AMISOM has previously made intentions of also pulling its troops out of Somalia by 2021.
Hence the airstrikes are a much welcome move in the preparation for the imminent withdrawal of troops in Somalia that will give the local security authorities will have an advantage in maintaining security and defeating the terror organization that has plagued the Horn of Africa nation for decades. Dismantling al Shabaab’s infrastructure is fundamental in the eventual defeat of the group while at the same time giving the military and police a shot at sustainable security.
