18 Dec 2018 | 06:54 PM UTC
Somalia: US military airstrikes kill 62 Al-Shabaab militants December 15-16
US military airstrikes kill 62 Al-Shabaab militants near Gandarshe December 15-16; additional airstrikes targeting militants to be expected over the near term
Event
US military airstrikes killed 62 Al-Shabaab militants near Gandarshe on Saturday, December 15, and Sunday, December 16. The strikes reportedly targeted militants who were planning to attack a Somali military base. Additional US military airstrikes targeting Al-Shabaab militants are to be expected in Somalia over the near term.
Context
Al-Shabaab continues to control large zones in the south and center of Somalia and attacks from the group are frequent across the country, including in Mogadishu. The group often targets government officials and military infrastructure in a bid to topple the Western- and UN-backed government and impose its own strict interpretation of Islam in Somalia.
Advice
The security environment in Somalia remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.
