Mogdishu(SONNA): On 7 January 2021, the Federal Government of Somalia, in partnership with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), conducted one airstrike against al-Shabaab in the vicinity of Saaxa Weyne. Initial assessments concluded the strike resulted in five al-Shabaab members killed, including the targeted al-Shabaab leaders. The Federal Government of Somalia and U.S. AFRICOM take great measures to prevent civilian casualties in the fight against the terrorist group 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 with the indiscriminate attacks that al-Shabaab regularly conducts against the civilian populace of Somalia. The targeted al-Shabaab leaders were responsible for facilitating finance, weapons, fighters, and explosives. Together, the Federal Government of Somalia and the United States remain committed to fighting al-Shabaab and other militant organizations to prevent the deaths of innocent civilians, including men, women, and children in Somalia and neighboring countries.
This strike supported the efforts of the Federal Government of Somalia to rid Somalia of al-Shabaab and to provide a better future for the Somali people.
