US military says Al-Shabaab commander killed in Somalia airstrike

[Deeq A.]

An airstrike conducted on April 2 by U.S. troops in Somalia is reported to have killed a senior al-Shabaab leader.

The U.S. Africom in a statement on Tuesday reported that the airstrike killed Yusuf Jiis who was a key figure in the terror group’s operations across East Africa. Two other militants were also killed in the attack.

“This individual was a key leader in the al-Shabaab organization,” said U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command. “He was violent, ruthless, and responsible for the loss of many innocent lives. His removal makes Somalia and neighboring countries safer.”

Al-Shabaab has waged an extremist war in Somalia for over a decade, killing tens of thousands and displacing millions others.

U.S. forces, African Union troops and other forces are deployed in the Horn of African country with the aim of crushing the threat of terrorism.

The forces have made gains and forced the militants out of major towns, though they still manage to stage attacks especially using suicide bombers.

While the U.S. initially engaged the militants minimally, President Donald Trump granted broader authority to carry out strikes after coming into power.

“Putting pressure on this network helps contain their ambition and desire to cause harm and destruction,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William Gayler, director of operations, U.S. Africa Command.

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