Somalia, US forces destroy two vessels carrying Al-Shabaab weapons

The Somali government on Thursday confirmed that a joint operation with United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) had destroyed two vessels carrying an assortment of weapons belonging to Al-Shabaab terrorists, through precision airstrikes.

The strike comes amid a rise in Al-Shabaab attacks on Somali government forces. Earlier on Thursday, the group attacked a military base on the outskirts of Baidoa, and on Wednesday, they launched another assault on Adan Yabal town in the Middle Shabelle region.

According to a statement issued by Somalia’s Ministry of Information, both vessels and the weapons on board were destroyed, along with an unknown number of individuals. The exact location of the strike was not disclosed.

“In a joint operation, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) collaborated with the Federal Government of Somalia to execute a precision airstrike against vessels laden with advanced military equipment destined for the terrorist organisation Al-Shabaab,” the statement read.

The Ministry stated that the strike occurred in Somali territorial waters and successfully targeted modern weaponry that posed a significant threat to Somalia and its international partners.

“Initial assessments from AFRICOM indicate that all individuals aboard both vessels were neutralised, with no reported civilian casualties,” the statement added.

Somali media quoted an AFRICOM spokesperson confirming the operation.

“This operation demonstrates our shared commitment to disrupting Al-Shabaab’s supply chains and enhancing maritime security,” the spokesperson said.

Security analysts believe Al-Shabaab smuggles weapons from Yemen, using concealed natural ports along the Gulf of Aden. The group is thought to maintain a logistics base in the mountainous region overlooking the Gulf, where the smuggling operations are coordinated.

“The airstrikes were most likely conducted in the Gulf of Aden, as that’s where Al-Shabaab typically smuggles weapons into Somalia. The group has forces embedded deep within the rugged mountains and uses small natural ports to offload their supplies,” security analyst Abdi Ali told Eastleigh Voice.

On Thursday morning, Al-Shabaab launched an attack on a Somali military base in Baidoa. Local residents confirmed that the bodies of dead Al-Shabaab fighters were displayed in the town, drawing crowds of onlookers.

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