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 to combat the extremist group al Shabaab and support the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against militants near the ATMIS forward operating base, FOB Bulo Marer on Wednesday. The strike successfully targeted and destroyed weapons and equipment illicitly acquired by the al Qaeda-linked fighters, bolstering the ongoing operations against the extremist group.
According to U.S. Africa Command, there were no indications of civilian casualties resulting from the airstrike. The command emphasized its commitment to preventing harm to non-combatants and ensuring the safety of Somali civilians amidst the military operations. The protection of civilians remains a paramount objective for the command, as it seeks to promote a more secure and stable Africa.
Al Shabaab, an Islamist insurgent group operating in Somalia, has been a persistent threat to the region, regularly carrying out attacks against government institutions, military forces, and civilians. The United States, along with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, has been actively supporting the Federal Government of Somalia in its efforts to counter the insurgency and restore peace and stability to the country.
The recent airstrike serves as a testament to the continued collaboration between the United States and Somalia, as well as their commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of the Somali people. As the fight against al Shabaab intensifies, it remains to be seen how these efforts will shape the future of Somalia and the broader security landscape in the region.