MOGADISHU, Somalia The U.S. military says it has conducted an airstrike in Somalia, killing the deputy leader of Islamic State in Somalia.
The strike was carried out in the vicinity of Xiriiro, Bari Region in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia’s continued efforts to degrade violent extremist organizations.
In a statement, US Africom command says it had killed Abdulhakim Dhuqub, a high ranking ISIS-Somalia official, who was accused of being responsible for the daily operations of the extremist group, attack planning, and resource procurement.
The U.S. supports the Federal Government of Somalia’s efforts to advance economic development, increase governance, and further develop its military institutions.
U.S. Africa Command precision airstrikes support Somali security force activities and build enhanced security conditions to allow time and space for governance and economic development to occur.
“We continue to work with our Somali partners to keep pressure on the al-Shabaab and ISIS Somalia terror networks,” said Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Gregg Olson, U.S. Africa Command director of operations.
“When it supports the strategy, we use precision airstrikes to target those who plan and carry out the violent extremist activities that put Somalis at risk.”
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.
