Johannesburg - In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, US forces conducted three precision airstrikes in Somalia against al-Shabaab, reportedly killing six terrorists.
The strikes occurred on Wednesday at approximately 2:15 am local Somalia time.
"The operation occurred in southern Somalia, about 260 kilometres south of the capital, Mogadishu. The U.S. conducted this operation within the parameters of the authorities granted by the President in March 2017, which allows US forces to conduct lethal action against al-Shabaab within a geographically-defined area in support of partner forces in Somalia," a press release from the US State Department stated.
Al-Shabaab has pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda and is dedicated to providing safe haven for terrorist attacks throughout the world. The group has publicly committed to planning and conducting attacks against the US and its partners in the region.
US forces will continue to use all authorised and appropriate measures to protect Americans and to disable terrorist threats, the release added.
"This includes partnering with AMISOM and Somali National Security Forces (SNSF); targeting terrorists, their training camps and safe havens throughout Somalia, the region and around the world."