US Conducts More Airstrikes in Somalia

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) carried out another airstrike in Somalia Friday, the second under the Biden administration after a nearly six-month hiatus from targeting the al-Qaida affiliate al-Shabab and Islamic State terror group.

The U.S. military strike targeted al-Shabab in the vicinity of Qeycad, Galmudug, Somalia, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby confirmed to VOA and other reporters traveling aboard a U.S. military aircraft with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Friday’s strike supported partner forces “under collective self-defense,” Kirby said, adding that U.S. troops were not on the ground with Somali forces but were conducting a remote advise and assist mission with them. Further information was not provided due to “operational security.” A statement issued earlier Friday by the Somali government said the precision airstrike “destroyed al-Shabab fighters and weapons with zero civilian casualties.”