Mogadishu (SONNA) – the Federal Government of Somalia, in partnership with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab militants in the vicinity of Darussalam, Somalia.
When this airstrike occurred, U.S. forces were in the area in order to advise and assist Somali and partner forces. No U.S. forces were injured or killed during the attack.
The Federal Government of Somalia and U.S. AFRICOM take great measures to prevent civilian casualties in the fight against the violent extremist organizations and investigate each reported allegation fully. At this time, no civilians are assessed to have been killed or injured in the attack.
The efforts we take to protect and safeguard civilians starkly contrast the indiscriminate attacks that Al-Shabaab regularly conducts against the civilian populace of Somalia. Al-Shabaab leadership has expressed its primary desire is to conduct attacks not just in East Africa, but against Americans and U.S. interests across the globe.
International efforts and the persistent pressure placed on al-Shabaab helps contain the group’s broader ambitions and desire to conduct attacks beyond Somali borders. The Federal Government of Somalia and the United States are committed to fighting al-Shabaab and other militant organizations, to prevent the deaths of innocent civilians that include men, women, and children in Somalia and its neighboring countries.
This strike supported the efforts of the Federal Government of Somalia to rid Somalia of the atrocities of al-Shabaab and to provide a better future for the Somali people.
