Suspected US drone strike allegedly hits Shabaab base in Bariire

A suspected airstrike allegedly hit Al-Shabaab bases in Bariire Lower Shabelle region Wednesday night, residents said.

Sources in farming areas of Bariire told Goobjoog News there was heavy bombardment in the area at around midnight but there were no immediate details of casualties.

The US has ramped up drone strikes in southern Somalia since last year targeting Al-Shabaab figureheads and their bases. Ten people among them children were killed last year in Bariire in a joint Somali and US forces ambush. US authorities ruled out civilian killings but locals said those killed were civilians.

Somali government was forced to pay compensation to the families.