Somalia: US airstrikes destroy Al-Shabaab base June 11

Event

US officials announced on Sunday, June 11, that the US has carried out a successful air strike on an Al-Shabaab training base in Sakow, southern Somalia. The strike reportedly destroyed a key command and supply hub. The statement did not specify whether there were any casualties from the strike, and Al-Shabaab has not commented on the attack. 

Context

Al-Shabaab continues to control large zones in the south and center of the country and attacks have been on the rise in the northern parts of Somalia, including Puntland, since late 2016. The group often targets government officials and military infrastructure in a bid to topple the Western- and United Nations-backed government and impose its own strict interpretation of Islam in Somalia.

Advice

Individuals present in Somalia are advised to avoid the affected area and to monitor developments to the situation.

Due to the high threat of terrorism, individuals present throughout the country are advised to avoid government and institutional buildings as well as political events due to Al-Shabaab's tendency to target political figures and security forces. Because of extremely poor security conditions, travel should only be considered with appropriate security precautions in place.