Al-Shabaab leader killed in US airstrikes in Somalia

Moscow [Russia], August 11 (ANI): Top al-Shabaab leader has been killed in air strikes conducted by the United States against the militants near the Banadiir region in southern Somalia.

"On August 10, the Department of Defense conducted two kinetic strikes against al-Shabaab militants. The operation occurred near the Banadiir region in southern Somalia," the release said.

The identity of the Al-Shabaab leader was not disclosed by the U.S. and government of Somalia.The statement said US forces would assess the results of the operation and provide additional information as appropriate.

Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen known as al-Shabaab, is a jihadist fundamentalist group based in East Africa.

The strikes come in the wake of another US anti-Shabaab operation that resulted in the killing of one of the group's high-ranking commanders.

The operation was conducted jointly with the US regional partners countering al-Shabaab activities in Somalia, with no civilian casualties reported, Russia Today quoted the statement of U.S Department of defense. the statement said.

Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed said that the al-Shabab leader had been part of a network responsible for planning and carrying out several bombings and assassinations in the capital, Mogadishu.

President Donald Trump in March 2017 approved expanded military operations against the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab, including more aggressive airstrikes and considering parts of southern Somalia areas of active hostilities.

Al-Shabaab has been staging several attacks in the country to establish Sharia law in the country.(ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI