MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced an airstrike targeting the al-Shabaab terrorist group in Somalia, resulting in the death of at least two militants.
The operation, conducted as a collective self-defense measure, took place on February 9th in the remote vicinity of Yaq Dabel, near Bua’le town in the Middle Jubba region.
According to AFRICOM’s initial assessment, the airstrike specifically targeted al-Shabaab militants, with “no civilians were harmed.”
This airstrike underscores the ongoing efforts to combat the threat posed by al-Shabaab, which remains a significant challenge to both regional and international security.
Al-Shabaab, recognized as one of the largest and most lethal branches of the al-Qaeda network, continues to pose a grave threat to stability in the region. With its demonstrated capacity to target U.S. forces and undermine security interests, the terrorist group remains a priority for AFRICOM and its allied partners.
However, despite concerted efforts to degrade al-Shabaab’s capabilities, progress in the fight against the group has encountered obstacles.
The Somali government’s military operations in central regions have yielded limited success in recent years, resulting in a stalemate in efforts to dismantle the militant organization.
AFRICOM says it remains committed to supporting and equipping partner forces in Somalia to counter the al-Shabaab threat.
Nevertheless, recent reports indicate that the militant group has managed to acquire significant quantities of weaponry, ammunition, and equipment from the Somali army and clan militias.
This concerning development raises questions about potential collusion with corrupt government officials, further complicating counterterrorism efforts.
Moreover, local analysts highlight al-Shabaab’s growing financial strength, fueled by extortion schemes, zakat revenue collection from businesses, and ransom activities.