U.S. forces conducted an airstrike in Somalia on Sunday, killing a high-ranking ISIS-Somalia official, the U.S. Africa Command said in a statement on Monday.
US Africom said the airstrike that killed Abdulhakim Dhuqub was carried out in the vicinity of Xiriiro, Bari Region, targeting terrorist in the area.
According to the agency, Dhuqub was responsible for the daily operations of the extremist group, attack planning, and resource procurement.
In its statement, Africom said; “The U.S. supports the Federal Government of Somalia’s efforts to advance economic development, increase governance, and further develop its military institutions. U.S. Africa Command precision airstrikes support Somali security force activities and build enhanced security conditions to allow time and space for governance and economic development to occur.”
The agency pledged to continue working together with local Somali forces to rid the country of the threat of terrorism.
Somalia has been dogged by terrorism for more than a decade, perpetrated by the al-Shabaab militant group. The war waged by the terrorists has killed tens of thousands and forced millions to flee their homes.
Other than the U.S. forces, African Union forces have also been helping Somalia in the fight against terrorism, forcing the al-Shabaab group into hiding.
The group however still manages to stage attacks occasionally.
Africom statement said an assessment had shown that no civilians had been killed on injured in Sunday’s airstrike.
U.S. confirms airstrike against ISIS-Somalia’s Abdulhakim Dhuqub – https://t.co/93ZxZRdlB8 pic.twitter.com/kAuhc0SoUp
— US AFRICOM (@USAfricaCommand) April 15, 2019
