Somali, US forces hit Al-Shabaab training camp

By Hassan Istiila

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AA) - In cooperation with Somali security forces, the U.S. conducted airstrikes against an al-Shabaab terrorist training camp in southern Somalia on Sunday, the Pentagon said.

The airstrikes aimed to degrade the al-Qaeda affiliate's abilities to recruit, train, and plot external terror attacks throughout the region and in America, said a Pentagon statement, adding that eight militants are thought to have been killed.

Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo confirmed that Somali special forces were also involved in the attack, some 298 kilometers (185 miles) southwest of Mogadishu, the capital of the Horn of Africa country.

“Earlier today, I authorized our special forces with the support of our international partners to conduct a strike against an al-Shabaab training camp near Sakow, Middle Juba region. This was a successful strike which destroyed a key al-Shabaab command and supply hub. This will ultimately disrupt the enemy’s ability to conduct new attacks within Somalia,” the president said in a statement.

He added, “I said when I took office that security will be top priority for my administration. This strike will enhance security and reduce the threats of al-Shabaab."

The Pentagon added that the strike was conducted with authorities approved by the president this March which allow the U.S. Defense Department to conduct legal action against al-Shabaab.