The United States conducted an air strike in southern Somalia, eliminating 10 members of the Al-Shabaab terrorist group, according to US Africa Command (AFRICOM) on Tuesday.
The operation took place on December 31 in Beer Xaani, approximately 35 kilometers from the port city of Kismayo.
The air strike was conducted at the request of the Somali government, AFRICOM noted in its statement, emphasizing that no civilians were harmed during the operation. “The initial post-strike assessment indicated the air strike killed 10 Al-Shabaab militants while no civilians were harmed,” the statement read. 
This targeted strike follows a recent insurgent attack in Somalia’s northern region, which government forces successfully repelled. AFRICOM stated it will continue to evaluate the results and share additional updates as needed.
Al-Shabaab, affiliated with Al-Qaeda, has been leading a violent insurgency against Somalia’s federal government for over 17 years, launching numerous attacks across the capital Mogadishu and beyond. Despite the challenges, Somalia’s government has intensified its offensive to dismantle the group.
The US has invested heavily in combating Al-Shabaab, particularly in aiding Somalia’s federal government to restore stability.
While former US President Donald Trump ordered the withdrawal of American troops from Somalia during his term, his successor, Joe Biden, reversed the decision, reinforcing the US’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s fight against terrorism.
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