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U.S. Africa Command killed at least 12 al-Shabab fighters in an airstrike in Somalia, the agency said on Sunday.File photo courtesy of Michael B. Keller/UPI/US Air Force
February 12 (United Press International) — U.S. Africa Command killed at least 12 al-Shabab fighters in an airstrike in Somalia, the agency said on Sunday.
The attack took place Friday at the request of Somalia’s federal government, U.S. Africa Command explain. The strike was concentrated in a remote area southwest of the city of Hobyo. No civilians were reported killed.
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“U.S. Africa Command provides support to the Somali government to address the terrorist threat, but we are only part of the U.S. effort there,” said General Michael Langley, commander of Africa Command.
“Our colleagues at the State Department and USAID have developed programs to help build resilience through education and training; develop agricultural diversity; improve markets and trade; and strengthen democracy and good governance.”
An initial assessment of the attack found that 12 al-Shabaab members were killed.
Al-Shabaab is the military arm of Somalia’s Islamic Court Council and is a terrorist group designated by ISIS director of national intelligence. Since 2006, the group has been conducting an insurgency in southern Somalia.
U.S. has stepped up support for Somalia over the past year following a massive troop withdrawal under the former president donald trump 2020.
president joe biden Following instructions from the Defense Ministry, 500 troops have since been sent to the country CNN.
The United States has provided more than $3 billion in humanitarian aid since 2006, when al-Shabab gained a foothold in southern Somalia. State Council.
The United States is also working in coordination with Somali officials, including President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, to promote economic stability and social reform.
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