FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                             June 25, 2019

U.S. airstrike targets al-Shabaab in support of the Federal Government of Somalia

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted one airstrike targeting al-Shabaab militants in the vicinity of Jilib, Somalia, June 24, 2019.

“Airstrikes like these are conducted to degrade al-Shabaab’s activities in the region that disrupt the safety and security of the Somali people,” said Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert A. Huston, deputy director of operations, U.S. Africa Command. “We will continue to assist our partners in their efforts to protect Somalia.”

At this time, it is assessed the airstrike killed one (1) militant.

Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike. Our processes and procedures allow for additional information to inform post-strike analysis.

Precision airstrikes protect the Somali people from terrorist activities while creating opportunities for increased governance and economic opportunity. U.S. airstrikes and partnered operations will continue in the region to prevent attacks and disrupt al-Shabaab safe havens.

U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with its partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia from AMISOM to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States. In support of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces will use all effective and appropriate methods to assist in the protection of the Somali people, including partnered military counterterrorism operations with the Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM, and Somali National Army forces.