US airstrike targets Al-Shabaab hideouts in Somalia

Local villagers reported heavy explosions as a result of the midnight aerial bombardment in and around the town. The exact number of the casualties on both Al-Shabaab and civilians remain sketchy. 

News Keydmedia Online
11 February 2021

MOGADISHU, Somalia - US military carried out an airstrike on Al-Shabaab militants in southern Somalia on Wednesday night, targeting fighter training, and attack planning camps in Sakow town.

Somali special forces [Danab] had joined in the attack to destroy one of the group’s main training and command posts, according to the local residents, who spoke to KON by phone on the condition of anonymity.

Local villagers reported heavy explosions as a result of the midnight aerial bombardment in and around the town. The exact number of the casualties on both Al-Shabaab and civilians remain sketchy. 

There was no immediate comment from Al-Shabaab on the overnight air raid in Sakow, a key town in the Middle Jubba region, where the group's top leaders are believed to be staying.

The US Africa Command [AFRICOM] did not confirm the attack as the unmanned drones routinely target Al-Shabaab bases as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt militant operations.

Despite pulling out its personnel last January, the US increased its military activity; in the first two months of 2021, it conducted at least 10 drone strikes against Al-Shabaab.

The terror group continues to exercise effective control over large areas of southern and central Somalia and stages frequent attacks across the country, including in the capital city, Mogadishu. 

Al-Shabaab, Al-Qaeda's ally in East Africa aims to topple Somalia’s government, drive out 22,000 African Union peacekeeping troops from Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti.

KON English News Desk