U.S. launches airstrikes against Al-Shabaab in Somalia

al-Shabaab militants on parade

U.S. forces conducted a strike operation against al-Shabaab in Somalia on Sunday in Mogadishu, Chief Pentagon Spokesperson, Dana White, has said.

White, in a statement, said the U.S. conducted the strike operation in conjunction with its regional partners as a direct response to al-Shabaab actions in the country.

“The United States conducted this operation in coordination with its regional partners as a direct response to al-Shabaab actions, including recent attacks on Somali forces,” the Pentagon spokesperson said.

This strike was conducted with the authorities approved by the president in March.

“The President’s approval allows the Defence Department to conduct legal action against al-Shabaab within a geographically-defined area of active hostilities in support of partner forces in Somalia, White said.

“We remain committed to working with our Somali partners and allies to systematically dismantle al-Shabaab, and help achieve stability and security throughout the region,” the Pentagon spokesperson said.

On Thursday, al-Shabaab attacked a military base in Puntland, northern Somalia, killing 59 people. (NAN)