WASHINGTON: US forces carried out a strike in conjunction with Somali special forces Sunday against Al-Shabab approximately 185 miles (300 kilometers) southwest of Mogadishu, according to the Pentagon.
The Pentagon said the operation occurred at approximately 0600 GMT “in coordination with regional partners as a direct response to Al-Shabab actions, including recent attacks on Somali forces.”
Somalia’s president Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed said Somalian special forces participated in the raid against a training center for the extremist group’s militants near Sakow, a district in the Middle Juba region.
“The mission which was successfully ended destroyed an important training camp where the group used to organize violent operations,” said Mohamed. “This undermines their ability to mastermind more attacks.”
Neither statement mentioned casualties.
The Pentagon statement emphasized that the strike was carried out as part of US President Donald Trump’s March authorization of American forces “to conduct legal action against Al-Shabab within a geographically defined area of active hostilities in support of (the) partner force in Somalia.”
In early May an American soldier was killed in a nighttime raid in Somalia.
It appeared to be the first US military death in combat there since the infamous events of “Black Hawk Down” 24 years ago, when 18 American servicemen died in what is called the Battle of Mogadishu.
US special forces have been deployed in Somalia for years. Drone and missile strikes have also been used against Shabab commanders and foot soldiers.
Since 2007, Al-Shabab, an Al-Qaeda linked group, has been fighting to overthrow the internationally backed government in Somalia.
US forces conduct strike against Somalia’s Al-Shabab: Pentagon
US forces conduct strike against Somalia’s Al-Shabab: Pentagon
Australia holds day of reflection to honor victims of Bondi Beach attack
- The gun attack, Australia’s worst in nearly 30 years, is being investigated as an act of terrorism targeting Jews
SYDNEY: Australia held a day of reflection on Sunday to honor those killed and wounded in a mass shooting that targeted a seaside Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach a week ago.
The gun attack, Australia’s worst in nearly 30 years, is being investigated as an act of terrorism targeting Jews. Authorities have ramped up patrols and policing across the country to prevent further antisemitic violence.
Australian flags were flown at half-mast on Sunday on federal and New South Wales state government buildings, with an official minute of silence to be held at 6:47 p.m. local time.
Authorities also invited Australians to light a candle on Sunday night “as a quiet act of remembrance with family, friends or loved ones” of the 15 people killed and dozens wounded in the attack, allegedly carried out by a father and son.
“At 6:47 p.m., you can light a candle in your window to remember the victims of the antisemitic terrorist attack in Bondi and support those who are grieving,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on social media platform X late on Saturday.
Albanese, under pressure from critics who say his center-left government has not done enough to curb a surge in antisemitism since Israel launched its war in Gaza, has vowed to strengthen hate laws in the wake of the massacre.
On Saturday, the government of New South Wales, which includes Sydney, pledged to introduce a bill on Monday to ban the display of symbols and flags of “terrorist organizations,” including those of Al-Qaeda, Al Shabab, Boko Haram, Hamas, Hezbollah and Daesh.
Around 1,000 surf lifesavers returned to duty at Bondi Beach on Saturday, restarting patrols after a halt sparked by the shooting on the first evening of the Jewish festival.
A day earlier, Australia’s Jewish community gathered at Bondi Beach for prayers, while hundreds of swimmers and surfers formed a huge circle in the waters off the beach to honor victims.
Alleged gunman Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead by police at the scene. His 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, who was also shot by police and emerged from a coma on Tuesday afternoon, has been charged with 59 offenses, including murder and terrorism, according to police. He remained in custody in hospital.
Authorities believe the pair was inspired by militant Sunni Muslim group Daesh, with flags of the group allegedly found in the car the two took to Bondi.
