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U.S. confirms airstrike against Al-Shabaab fighters in Somalia

Xinhua, January 12, 2017 Adjust font size:

The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has confirmed that, in coordination with Somali, African Union forces and U.S. Advisors, it launched an airstrike against Al-Shabaab as part of counter-terrorism exercise on Jan. 7.

AFRICOM said in a statement received on Thursday that the "self-defence strik"' was conducted against an Al-Qaida-associated terrorist group in Gaduud, a town in north of Kismayo in southern Somalia.

"During a counter-terrorism operation to disrupt Al-Shabaab, the combined partner forces observed Al-Shabaab fighters threatening their safety and security," Africom said.

AFRICOM said Washington conducted a self-defense strike to neutralize the threat but no enemy fighters were killed.

"The U.S. remains committed to our partners in eliminating terrorism and advancing security in the region," it said. Endit