MOGADISHU, Somalia – A suspected US military airstrike was reported in the Middle Shabelle region, targeting Al-Shabaab-held areas amid stepped-up military operations.
A local resident, who asked to remain anonymous, told Radio Shabelle by phone that the fighter jets dropped bombs on rural locations around the Ruunnirgood district on Monday.
The central town which is among several key villages recaptured by the army from Al-Shabaab is located around 220 kilometers away from the Somali capital, Mogadishu.
Details of the casualties as a result of the air raids remained unverified as the areas were remote with no proper phone networks. The military is yet to issue a statement regarding the operation.
In the past few weeks, US military was increasing drone strikes against Al-Shabaab strongholds, mainly in the areas where the government forces are conducting operations.
Al-Shabaab continues to exercise effective control over large areas of southern and central Somalia and stages frequent attacks across the country, including in Mogadishu.
The Al-Qaeda-affiliated group often targets government officials and military infrastructure in a bid to topple the UN-backed government in Mogadishu which is protected by AU troops.
