The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has confirmed that, in coordination with Somali, African Union forces and U.S. Advisors, it launched an airstrike against Al-Shabaab as part of counter-terrorism exercise on Jan. 7.
AFRICOM said in a statement received on Thursday that the “self-defence strik”‘ was conducted against an Al-Qaida-associated terrorist group in Gaduud, a town in north of Kismayo in southern Somalia.
“During a counter-terrorism operation to disrupt Al-Shabaab, the combined partner forces observed Al-Shabaab fighters threatening their safety and security,” Africom said.
AFRICOM said Washington conducted a self-defense strike to neutralize the threat but no enemy fighters were killed.
“The U.S. remains committed to our partners in eliminating terrorism and advancing security in the region,” it said.