U.S. says airstrike in Somalia kills 3 terrorists

[Deeq A.]

US forces conducted an airstrike on Sunday, May 5, in southern Somalia, killing three al-Shabaab militants, the U.S. Africa Command said on Saturday.

Sunday’s airstrike was conducted in coordination with Somali forces, and was the second by the U.S. forces in two weeks.

The attack was carried out in the vicinity of Tortoroow.

Africom said its assessment had showed that no civilians were killed on injured in the airstrike.

The agency hailed the coordination between the U.S. and Somali forces.

“This airstrike is an example of the niche capabilities we provide our Somali partners as they take the fight to al-Shabaab,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Gregg Olson, U.S. Africa Command director of operations.  “Our precision strike capabilities support our Somali partners as they continue to lead operations against the terrorist network.”

Africom pledged to continue working together with Somali forces to rid the country of terrorists, even as it prepares for the exit of foreign troops.

“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 counter-terror operations with the Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM, and Somali National Army forces,” Africom said.

Source: CGTN Africa