MOGADISHU, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Three Al-Shabaab terrorists were killed in airstrikes conducted by the United States and Somalia military forces in central region on Tuesday, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The U.S. Africa Command (Africom) said the joint operation with Somalia security forces took place in central Somalia against the militants who have engaged the government and the African Union peacekeeping forces in near daily attacks.
"The United States conducted this operation in support of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Somali National Army (SNA) forces that were operating in the area," Africom said in a statement.
The operation occurred in the Bay Region of Somalia, about 75 kilometers west of the capital, Mogadishu.
According to Africom, Al-Shabaab has pledged allegiance to Al-Qaeda and is dedicated to providing safe haven for terrorist attacks throughout the world.
"Al-Shabaab has publicly committed to planning and conducting attacks against the United States and our partners in the region," Africom said.
It said the U.S. forces will continue to use all authorized and appropriate measures to protect Americans and to disable terrorist threats.
This, Africom said, includes partnering with AMISOM and Somali National Security Forces (SNSF); targeting terrorists, their training camps and safe havens throughout Somalia, the region and around the world.
