JILIB, Somalia – An overnight airstrike occurred in Jilib district in the Middle Jubba region, which, according to the residents has been carried out by a suspected American drone.
A source in Jilib told Radio Shabelle by phone on condition of anonymity that they heard two loud bangs last night around Al-Shabaab bases and could not verify the casualties.
Preliminary reports indicated that the drone targeted two missiles at a house in the city, where senior members of Al Shabaab were staying. Unclear if they are killed or survived.
It is the latest in a series of airstrikes on Jilib, which now serves as the headquarters of Al-Shabaab in southern Somalia. US and Kenyan military continue targeting the town.
However, there is no statement from the Somali government and the United States regarding the drone attack, which comes days after the UN arms embargo was removed from Somalia.
Al-Shabaab lost top leaders in attacks carried out by drones belonging to the United States as part of Washington’s counterterrorism in Somalia. Many civilians were killed in the US strikes.
