U.S. soldier killed in al-Shabab attack in Somalia

[Deeq A.]

MOGADISHU, June 9  — One U. S. special forces soldier was killed and five others, including one partner force member, were injured in an al-Shabab attack in southwest Somalia on Friday, the U.S. military said.

The U.S. Africa Command (Africom) said the incident took place during a joint operation in Jubaland in southern Somalia conducted by combined Somali National Security Forces (SNSF), Kenyan Defense Force (KDF) and the U.S. special forces.

“One of the wounded U.S. service members received sufficient medical care in the field. Three U.S. service members and the one partner force wounded were medically evacuated to receive additional treatment,” Africom said in a statement issued on Friday night.

Africom said a large force comprising of about 800 forces from Somali and allied forces came under mortar and small-arms fire while conducting a multi-day operation on Friday afternoon, about 350 kms southwest of Mogadishu.

“The mission’s objectives were to clear al-Shabab from contested areas, liberate villages from al-Shabab control, and establish a permanent combat outpost designed to increase the span of Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) security and governance,” said Africom.

The U.S. military said its special forces provided advice, assistance and aerial surveillance during the mission.

Washington has stepped up operations in the Horn of African nation in the past one year, killing a number of members of the militant group.

Xinhua