U.S. Africa Command conducts airstrikes against Al-Shabaab In Somalia

GALKAYO,Somalia, July 21 – In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command forces conducted one airstrike in the vicinity of Galkayo, Somalia on Tuesday.

A battle-damage assessment is still pending due to the ongoing engagement between al-Shabaab and Somali forces, however the command’s initial assessment is that no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this strike.

“This strike was conducted under collective self-defense authority and targeted al-Shabaab fighters engaged in active combat with our Somali partners,” said U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Thomas Savage, U.S. Africa Command deputy director of operations. “We are committed to supporting our Somali partners as they fight against these terrorists.”

The Federal Government of Somalia and U.S. Africa Command forces say that they took great measures in preventing civilian casualties.

These efforts contrast with the indiscriminate attacks that al-Shabaab regularly conducts against the civilian population.

“The Federal Government of Somalia and the U.S. remain committed to fighting al-Shabaab to prevent the deaths of innocent men, women and children.”

Violent extremist organizations like al-Shabaab present long-term threats to U.S. and regional interests as the war gainst terror in the horn of Africa region remain heightened.