The U.S. military on Monday said it carried out a drone attack in Somalia over the weekend, killing an al-Shabaab militant.
In a statement released to the public, the U.S. Africa Command said the airstrike was conducted on Saturday near Tortoroow in southern Somalia. It also said that no civilians were killed in that operation.
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump approved expanded military operations against the Somalia-based Islamist fighters, including more aggressive airstrikes and considering parts of southern Somalia areas of active hostilities.
The U.S. military statement said the airstrike was conducted in coordination with regional partners “as a direct response to al-Shabab actions, including recent attacks on Somali forces.”
There was no immediate comment from Somali officials.
Al-Shabaab has waged a near-decade insurgency in Somalia, aiming to topple the government and install strict Sharia governance.
Earlier this year, President Abdulahi Mohamed Farmajo appealed to Western nations to lift an arms embargo against his country, in order to enhance the war against the militants.
