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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs 

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces targeted al-Shabaab militants, in the vicinity of Shebeeley, Hiran Region, Somalia, on Feb. 25, 2019, to degrade its ability to plan and execute attacks against the Somali people.

“We are committed to supporting our Somali partners in our shared goal of diminishing al-Shabaab’s networks and disrupting its operations,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Gregory Hadfield, U.S. Africa Command deputy director of intelligence. “This precision airstrike successfully targeted an encampment from which al-Shabaab could stage, coordinate, and execute attacks on Beledweyne.”

This airstrike targeted a location assessed to be an al-Shabaab training camp that was used as a staging area used to facilitate attacks on Beledweyne, Hiran Region, Somalia. This airstrike is one element of a larger strategy to support the Somali National Army as it increases pressure on the terrorist network and its recruiting efforts in the region.

At this time, it is assessed this airstrike killed 20 terrorists and destroyed one vehicle.

Also, at this time, it is assessed no civilians were injured or killed in this airstrike.

U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with its partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia from AMISOM to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States. In support of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces will use all effective and appropriate methods to assist in the protection of the Somali people, including partnered military counter-terror operations with the Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM and Somali National Army forces.