The United States military confirmed that one American service member was injured in an attack by the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab in the vicinity of Jana Cabdalle, Somalia.
The attack occurred on Monday when Al-Shabaab hit U.S. and Somali forces with a vehicle employed as an IED and mortar fire as they were conducting an advise, assist and accompany mission.
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) said in a statement that the service member was not in any danger despite the incident.
“The U.S. service member is in stable condition and receiving treatment for injuries that are not assessed to be life-threatening,” AFRICOM said.
At least one Al-Shabaab militant was killed in the attack according to AFRICOM’s statement. The Voice of America, which quoted a senior leader in the Jubaland regional administration, reported that four Somali soldiers were killed in the attack.
AFRICOM said that it regularly conducts advise and assist missions with Somali partner forces which adds pressure to Al-Shabaab and limits their ability to extend their reach and movement.
“Al-Shabaab remains a dangerous enemy. Continued pressure is being placed on this Al Qaeda-affiliated threat to limit its ability to expand and export violence, terrorism, and crime more broadly.”
AFRICOM has been instrumental in cooperating with the Federal Government of Somalia in disrupting the operations and degrading the capabilities of Al-Shabaab in Somalia.
