At least ten Al Shabaab members killed after US airstrike in southern Somalia

MADRID Jan. 7 (EUROPA PRESS) –

At least ten members of Al Shabaab, linked to Al Qaeda, have died after the United States carried out an airstrike last Tuesday in collaboration with Somali forces against targets of the terrorist group.

The attack, which occurred in the Beer Xaani area, near the coastal city of Kismayo, caused no civilian casualties. US forces assisted Somali soldiers in the evacuation of wounded soldiers during the operation, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) reported this Tuesday.

“Al Shabaab has demonstrated both its willingness and its ability to attack US and partner forces. The malicious efforts of this terrorist group threaten US and international security interests both inside and outside the African continent,” he said in a statement.

Likewise, he has indicated that the forces of the United States and Somalia will continue to “take measures to prevent advances” of the terrorist group in the region. “The protection of civilians remains a vital part of the command’s operations to promote a safer and more stable Africa,” he added.

Al Shabaab controls much of the southern and central regions of Somalia. Authorities have increased their operations against the terrorist group with the support of local clans and militias. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud promised in May 2022 to put the fight against terrorism at the center of his efforts to stabilize the African country.