LOC22:55
19:55 GMT
WASHINGTON, June 17 (KUNA) -- The US conducted two airstrikes targeting Al-Shabaab militants near Jilib, Somalia yesterday, killing two "militants," US Africa Command (Africom) announced Monday.
US Africa Command deputy director of operations William West said in a statement "with these coordinated airstrikes, we continue to degrade and deny Al-Shabaab's freedom of movement in the region.
"Precision airstrikes like these are one part of our strategy working with the Federal Government of Somalia to increase security and protect the Somali people," he added.
The statement indicated that "at this time, it is assessed the airstrikes killed two militants."
It noted that "currently," it is assessed that no civilians were injured or killed as a result of these airstrikes.
The two airstrikes are the 43rd and 44th US airstrikes in Somalia this year. (end)
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