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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs 

U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense airstrike in the vicinity of Dara Salaam, Lower Shabelle Region, Somalia, on March 11, 2019, in support of the Federal Government of Somalia's continued efforts to degrade al-Shabaab.

The airstrike was conducted in support of Somali-led ground forces that came under attack from militants. U.S. service members were present during the ground operation in an advisory capacity. All U.S. service members are accounted for and are unharmed.

This mission and airstrike are part of a larger effort to support the Somalia National Army as it increases pressure on the terrorist network.

The SNA and its partners will continue to effectively target the terrorist network in order to deny al-Shabaab the ability to build capacity and attack the people of Somalia. In particular, the group uses portions of southern and central Somalia to plot and direct terror attacks, steal humanitarian aid, extort the local populace to fund its operations, and shelter radical terrorists.

U.S. Africa Command currently assesses this airstrike killed 8 militants.

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.  U.S. Africa Command will use all effective and appropriate methods to protect the Somali people, including partnered military counter-terror operations with the Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM and SNA forces.