The United States (US) conducted a Special Operations-led airstrike south of Mogadishu targeting senior Al Shabab leader Yusuf Dheeq, the Pentagon has said.
"US Special Operations Forces conducted a strike south of Mogadishu using unmanned aircraft and several hellfire missiles," Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby told reporters.
"This operation was a direct strike against the Al Shabab network and the terrorist group’s chief of external operations and planning for intelligence and security... We are still assessing the results of the operation and will provide additional information when and if appropriate." Kirby said the strike was conducted in coordination with the government of Somalia and said it did not require putting American troops on the ground. He added there were no known civilian casualties as a result of the strike.
Kirby said the strike demonstrates the reach of the US government and its commitment to fighting terrorism.
Al Shabab is a Somalia-based terrorist group with close ties to Al Qaeda. The terror group has lost control of many towns following operations by government forces.