U.S. self-defense strike in Somalia

On Jan. 7, 2017, in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, Somali partner forces, African Union Mission in Somalia forces and U.S. advisors conducted a self-defense strike against al-Shabaab in Gaduud, Somalia.



By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs United States Africa Command Stuttgart, Germany Jan 10, 2017

On Jan. 7, 2017, in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, Somali partner forces, African Union Mission in Somalia forces and U.S. advisors conducted a self-defense strike against al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-associated terrorist group, in Gaduud, Somalia.

During a counterterrorism operation to disrupt al-Shabaab, the combined partner forces observed al-Shabaab fighters threatening their safety and security.  The U.S. conducted a self-defense strike to neutralize the threat, no enemy fighters were killed.

The U.S. remains committed to our partners in eliminating terrorism and advancing security in the region.  Violent extremists endanger the safety and stability of the Somali people; countering these threats remains in our common interests.

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