US carries out 1st airstrike against IS in Northern Somalia

Mogadishu, November 4: In Somalia terrorism is gradually becoming a more dangerous menace. Recently at least three terror attacks shook the heart of Somali capital. Northern Somalia is the stronghold of IS. Hence US airstrikes targeted Islamic State fighters in that part of Somalia. As per the statement from US Africa command, the military had killed "several terrorists".

The strikes were the first of its kind in Somalia. Though mainly Al-Shabab is the major terror force in the country but recently IS has developed a small presence there. Somali military force also collaborated in the strike. Local residents and pastoralists were shocked and fled from the area.

"U.S. forces will continue to use all authorized and appropriate measures to protect Americans and to disable terrorist threats," read the Africom statement. "This includes partnering with AMISOM and Somali National Security Forces (SNSF); targeting terrorists, their training camps and safe havens throughout Somalia, the region and around the world."

The area in which the strike was carried out is a remote one and other than militants no one has much access to it. Local officials and residents suspected the airstrike targeted the group’s senior leaders and perhaps even its top leader.