Federal Government of Somalia, AFRICOM target al-Shabab

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab camp in the vicinity of Gandarshe, Somalia, Mar. 7.

“As al-Shabaab seeks to terrorize the citizens of Somalia, we remain committed in our efforts to assist the Federal Government of Somalia,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Miguel Castellanos, deputy director of operations, U.S. Africa Command. “Al Shabaab is a common enemy. These airstrikes continue to degrade al-Shabaab and support international efforts to bring enhanced security and stability to the region.”

In Somalia, the U.S. works closely with our international partners on security sector development efforts, which include the United Nations, European Union, African Union, AMISOM and other troop-contributing countries. Together, we remain committed to Somali-led progress on improving conditions for a well-trained Somali National Security Force that can assume and sustain security within the country.  U.S. capabilities, influence, and credibility provide critical support to Somali efforts, including assistance coordinating other international partner engagement. Incremental progress within Somalia is occurring because of the ongoing international effort.

U.S. Africa Command and our international partners recognize that stability in Somalia will not be achieved through purely military means.  The partner and allied forces we work with on a daily basis are trying to create security conditions to enhance governance and economic development.  As such, U.S. Africa Command’s security cooperation efforts are closely linked with the U.S. Embassy in Somalia’s political and economic initiatives targeting the root causes of instability.

The command’s initial assessment concluded this airstrike killed four (4) terrorists.

We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.