US Airstrike Kills 2 Al-Shabaab Terrorists

The United States African Command (AFRICOM) has killed two Al-Shabaab terrorists in Qunya Barrow, in the lower Shabelle region of Somalia.

A statement released by Maj. Gen. William Gayler, the AFRICOM Director of Operations said the airstrike was conducted in coordination with the, African Union and International Community backed, Somali Federal Government.

“In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab terrorists in the vicinity of Qunyo Barrow, Somalia, Jan. 16,” said part of the statement.

Maj. Gen. Gayler noted that the Somali based Islamist militants, who conducted a daring and deadly attack on US military base in Kenya on January 5^th 2020 killing 3 Americans including a soldier, still present a big threat to America and her partners.

“Al-Shabaab presents a threat to America, the African people, and our international partners. They are a known terrorist affiliate of al-Qaeda, who continues to radicalize and actively recruit. Persistent pressure on the network helps prevent its broader spread,” he said.

The Thursday US airstrike reportedly did not register civilian casualties.

“Initial assessment concluded the airstrike killed two (2) terrorists. We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike,” he added.

Gayler said the U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with its partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States.

He pledged support to the Federal Government of Somalia noting that U.S. forces will use all effective and appropriate methods to assist in the protection of the Somali people, including partnered military counter-terrorism operations with the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali National Army forces.