The U.S. Army has announced the death of six suspected Al Shabaab members in a new bombing raid against the terrorist group in Somalia and indicated that it was executed «in self-defense» and «at the request» of Somali authorities.
The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) said that the bombing was carried out near the town of Cadale, some 250 kilometers northeast of the capital, Mogadishu, and noted that initial reports indicate that there were no civilian casualties.
He said that «the Federal Government of Somalia and AFRICOM are taking great measures to avoid civilian casualties» and stressed that «protecting civilians remains a crucial part of the command’s operations to promote greater security for all Africans».
«Al Shabaab is the largest and deadliest Al Qaeda network in the world and has demonstrated its willingness and ability to target Somali, East African and American civilians,» he said, before adding that the U.S. «kinetic actions» are «in support of the Federal Government of Somalia’s campaign to disrupt terrorist operations in the country.»
«Somalia remains key to stability and security in East Africa,» adding that «AFRICOM forces will continue to train, advise and equip partner forces to give them the tools they need to defeat Al Shabaab,» he said in his statement.
The announcement came after AFRICOM announced on December 19 the killing of 15 suspected Al Shabaab members in bombings in the name of «collective self-defense» around the Somali town of Cadale, amid increased operations against the terrorist group.
Somalia has stepped up offensives against Al Shabaab in recent months with support from local clans and militias as part of a series of decisions taken by President Hassan Shaykh Mohamud, who vowed upon taking office to put the fight against terrorism at the heart of his efforts to stabilize the African country.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
