Simon Ateba is Chief White House Correspondent for Today News Africa covering President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. government, UN, IMF, World Bank and other financial and international institutions in Washington and New York.
In a joint effort with the Federal Government of Somalia, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting the al-Shabaab militant network in Jilib, Somalia on May 20, 2023, according to a statement by Timothy S. Pietrack, Deputy Chief at AFRICOM’s Public Affairs Operations Branch.
Pietrack further stated that the initial assessment by AFRICOM indicates that the airstrike was executed without causing harm to any civilians.
The recent airstrike marks another significant step in the ongoing endeavors of the United States and its partners to combat the al-Shabaab extremist group, which has been responsible for numerous acts of violence and terrorism in the region.
AFRICOM, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, has actively engaged in counterterrorism operations in Somalia, providing support to the Somali government’s efforts to restore peace and stability.
The al-Shabaab militant network, known to be affiliated with al-Qaida, poses a persistent threat in Somalia, launching attacks against military and civilian targets. Their activities have hindered progress and development in the region, thereby posing a significant threat to regional and international security.
The collaboration between AFRICOM and the Federal Government of Somalia underscores the shared commitment to combat terrorism and foster a safer environment for the people of Somalia and the wider African continent.
For years, the United States military has been actively involved in Somalia, offering training, intelligence, and conducting operations to assist local forces in their fight against extremist groups.
While the recent airstrike is part of the ongoing efforts to degrade the capabilities of al-Shabaab and disrupt their operations, the extremist network remains resilient, necessitating sustained international efforts to effectively counter their activities.