Tuesday January 19, 2021
PHOTO: Getty Images
Mogadishu (HOL) - The U.S. military has conducted an airstrike in southwestern Bakool region of Somalia on Tuesday that destroyed one al-Shabaab compound, according to the U.S. Africa Command.
The single airstrike was conducted in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia in Tiyeeglow, Somalia. The U.S. military claimed that no civilians were injured or killed during their initial assessment.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Dagvin Anderson said that the strike was meant to “keep these violent extremists at bay.”
“Al-Shabaab has carried out deadly suicide and terror attacks in Somalia, including the recent attack targeting Danab leadership as well as recent bombing campaigns that have displaced thousands of Somali civilians. We will continue to support our partners and disrupt al-Shabaab’s efforts”.
The airstrike comes as the U.S. withdrew the last remaining troops from Somalia as one of the final acts of a beleaguered President Trump. The removal comes despite the U.S’ assessment that the Somali government cannot take over security responsibility.