US says Al-Shabaab hit by strike in Somalia

[Deeq A.]

MOGADISHU (Caasimada Online)–US military says drone strike targeting Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab, has killed a militant in southwest of Somali capital Mogadishu.

The strike was carried out on Oct. 6 in support of the government of Somalia in Kunyo Barrow area, some 65km west of Mogadishu, according to US African Command.

“We currently assess one (1) terrorist was killed in this airstrike,” said in a memo by US African Command.

No civilians were killed or injured in the latest airstrike in Somalia, the Command said.

Kunyo Barrow in Lower Shabelle region is an stronghold of Al-Shabaab.

There was no immediate comment from Al-Shabaab over the claims.

Last week, U.S. military says it killed nine al Qaeda linked al-Shabab militants in drone airstrike in southern Somalia.

The U.S. Africa Command said one militant was also injured in the strike. The raid was carried out in coordination with the Somali government

The U.S. has conducted more than 20 such airstrikes in Somalia this year.

The Al-Qaeda linked Shabaab was pushed out of the Somali capital in 2011 — and subsequently other towns and cities — by soldiers from the African Union Mission in Somalia.

The group is fighting to overthrow the internationally backed government of Somalia, but has also carried out attacks in neighboring Kenya.

Caasimada Online

Mogadishu News Desk

Caasimada@live.com