(credit: africom.mil)

By Gary Raynaldo      DIPLOMATIC TIMES

U.S. Africa Command forces completed the first engagement into Somalia since the successful repositioning of U.S. forces under Joint Task Force – Quartz  on January 30.  This engagement continues the long-standing partnership between U.S. and Somali National Army Danab forces,  AFRICOM said in a statement.  Under this agreement, U.S. forces provide training, advice, and support coordination to Danab units in the Horn of Africa nation.  During the engagement, U.S. forces trained partners on a variety of topics that reinforced combat skills and operational planning.

“Our first engagement back into Somalia so quickly after the repositioning shows we remain committed to our Somali and regional partners and support their fight against violent extremism.”

-U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Dagvin Anderson, Special Operations Command Africa commander.

“Our mission has not changed. We will support our partners no matter where we have a physical presence,” said Anderson. “We look forward to continuing our strong partnerships across the region in our collective fight against extremism.”

Separately, U.S. Africa Command’s East Africa Response Force completed an emergency response exercise in Mogadishu Jan. 22.   AFRICOM  said this exercise demonstrated the ability to rapidly deploy forces to protect U.S. interests in Somalia.

U.S. Says Airstrikes Against Al-Shabaab in SOMALIA Killed 6 Jihadists

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted two airstrikes in Somalia on Jan. 1, 2021.  (credit: africom.mil)J

In early January,  AFRICOM conducted two strikes on al-Shabaab compound. Both strikes targeted al-Shabaab compounds in the vicinity of Qunyo Barrow, Somalia.    AFRICOM reported that assessments indicated the January 1 strikes killed three and wounded one al-Shabaab members and destroyed six and damaged one al-Shabaab compound buildings.  An addition, the command’s initial assessment is that no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this operation.  AFRICOM  has conducted a total of six airstrikes since the new year began. 

LATEST  AFRICOM  Airstrikes Kill Three al-Shabaab  Operatives 

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command forces conducted two airstrikes in the vicinities of Jamaame and Deb Scinnele, Somalia, Jan. 19.  Initial assessments indicate the strikes killed three al-Shabaab operatives.  The command’s initial assessment is that no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this operation.

“These strikes targeted known al-Shabaab leaders involved in IED facilitation, fighter training, and attack planning,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Dagvin Anderson, Joint Task Force-Quartz commander. “Striking these leaders disrupts al-Shabaab’s ability to attack our partners and indiscriminately kill innocent civilians with improvised explosive devices. We are working closely with our Somali partners to support their operations against al-Shabaab, protect their people, and provide governance.”