US military says two militants killed in fresh airstrike in Somalia

[Deeq A.]

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted one airstrike near Baled Amin, in the Lower Shabelle region, Somalia, against al-Shabaab militants on May 22, 2019.

“We continue to work closely with the Somali government and security forces to target terrorists whose tactics place innocent people at risk,” said RDML Heidi K. Berg, director of intelligence, U.S. Africa Command.

Precision airstrikes such as these support Somali security forces efforts to protect the Somali people from terrorism while creating opportunities for increased governance to take hold. Al-Shabaab has previously used the rural areas surrounding Baled Amin as a staging area for attacks against Somali security forces and innocent Somali civilians.

At this time, it is assessed the airstrike killed two (2) militants. A detailed post-strike analysis continues and more details may be released as appropriate.

Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.  Our process and procedures allow for additional information to inform the post-strike analysis.

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.

Source: AFRICOM Statement.

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