In support of the Federal Government of Somalia’s increased efforts to degrade al-Shabaab, U.S. Africa Command conducted four airstrikes on February 23, 2019.
“Somali-led operations continue to place pressure on the al-Shabaab network, creating conditions for enhanced stability and security,” said Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Gregg Olson, U.S. Africa Command director of operations. “In addition to creating enhanced security, airstrikes help to disrupt al-Shabaab operations and the network while preventing future attacks by this terrorist group.”
Two airstrikes on February 23 occurred in the vicinity of Kunyow Barrow, Somalia, which is approximately 250 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu. One airstrike occurred in the vicinity of Awdeegle, Somalia, which is approximately 50 kilometers west of Mogadishu. One airstrike occurred in the vicinity of Janaale, Somalia, which is approximately 75 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu.
Airstrikes such as these complement our Somali partners’ successes against al-Shabaab, and are one component of our combined efforts to protect the Somali people from terrorism. Somali security forces continue to effectively target al-Shabaab forces in order to increase the span of governance of the Federal Government of Somalia.
These four airstrikes eliminated checkpoints and facilities used by al-Shabaab to collect illegal taxes to fund terrorist activities and to oppress the innocent people of Somalia.
“Degrading various facilities and checkpoints impacts al-Shabaab’s ability to finance operations, recruit, and execute operations,” said Olson. “The Federal Government of Somalia continues to place persistent pressure on the network.”
At this time, it is assessed these airstrikes killed two terrorists. At this time, it is assessed no civilians were injured or killed in these airstrikes.
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.
