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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs 

No U.S. or partner force personnel were injured after al-Shabaab militants conducted a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device attack at Baledogle Military Airfield (BMA) complex in Baledogle, Somalia, on Sept. 30, 2019.

"This attack, though ineffective, demonstrates the direct threat al-Shabaab poses to Americans, our allies, and interests in the region," said Maj. Gen. William Gayler, U.S. Africa Command director of operations. "Incidents like this will not compromise the pressure being placed on this terrorist network by the Federal Government of Somalia and international partners."

In response to this attack and in self-defense, U.S Africa Command conducted two (2) airstrikes and used small arms fire targeting al-Shabaab terrorists. It is assessed U.S. and partner forces killed ten (10) terrorists and destroyed one (1) vehicle involved in the attack.

Currently, U.S. Africa Command assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this attack and airstrike.

Al-Shabaab uses these tactics in an attempt to disrupt the Federal Government of Somalia and U.S. from making progress pushing violent extremist organizations from their strongholds. U.S. efforts seek to set the conditions for the return of civil governance in the region.

"This group is responsible for routinely placing innocent civilian lives in danger," said Gayler. "Our Somali partners continue to make progress against al-Shabaab while demonstrating considerable resolve. We will continue to place pressure on the al-Shabaab network."

The desired end state in East Africa is one in which terrorist organizations are not able to destabilize Somalia or its neighbors or threaten the U.S. homeland, U.S. citizens, or our international allies.