The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said that US forces conducted four airstrikes in southern Somalia last week, targeting Al-Shabaab militants.
According to AFRICOM, the strikes took place on June 14, 16, 18 and 19. The agency did not provide further details on the exact locations or casualties, saying that the information was not disclosed for operational security reasons.
The Somali Ministry of Defense said that the Danab unit conducted an operation in the south of the country on June 14, in which it said 14 Al-Shabaab members were killed, although it was not clear whether the operation was the same as the one claimed by AFRICOM.
The report notes that this is the first time AFRICOM has officially announced an airstrike since May 6, although the Somali Ministry of Defense has previously reported other operations that included airstrikes supported by “international partners.”
According to AFRICOM statistics, the United States has conducted at least 67 airstrikes in Somalia this year. The report added that the Trump administration has increased the number of airstrikes, after easing regulations governing the use of drones and strikes in areas not officially recognized as combat zones.
The report also noted that the strikes come at a time when Somalia is facing political turmoil and electoral disputes, with disagreements between the Federal Government and other political parties.
