Airwars assessment
US Africa Command reported an airstrike in the vicinity of Beer Xaani on February 4th which it said had killed one terrorist. The attack came a day after Somali troops in the town had come under attack from al Shabaab.
According to AFRICOM’s release: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab terrorist in the vicinity of Beer Xaani, Somalia, Feb. 4… Initial assessment concluded the airstrike killed one (1) terrorist. We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.”
A day earlier, local Somali sources had reported that Jubbaland security forces had been ambushed and killed by al Shabaab near Beer Xaani.
The local time of the incident is unknown.
Summary
Sources (2) [ collapse]
Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]
Geolocation notes
Reports of the incident mention strikes in the vicinity of Beer Xaani village, for which the coordinates are: 0.218985, 42.177213
United States Armed Forces Assessment:
Original strike reports
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab terrorist in the vicinity of Beer Xaani, Somalia, Feb. 4.
"The U.S. provides unrivaled and highly desired security force assistance options to our partners in Somalia," said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Miguel Castellanos, deputy director of operations, U.S. Africa Command. "Armed over-watch and precision engagement capabilities will continue to create big-time challenges for al-Shabaab."
Initial assessment concluded the airstrike killed one (1) terrorist.
We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.
Somalia remains key to the security environment of East Africa, and its long-term stability is important to advancing U.S. interests in the region. We will continue to work together on our support of the Federal Government of Somalia in its effort to bring improved governance, development and stability to the Somali people.