WASHINGTON, July 20 (Xinhua) -- The Pentagon said on Tuesday that U.S. forces had conducted an airstrike in Somalia against al-Shabaab, a terrorist group linked to al-Qaeda.
"In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command forces conducted one airstrike against al-Shabaab in the vicinity of Galkayo, Somalia, July 20, 2021," Pentagon spokeswoman Cynthia King said in a statement.
"There were no U.S. forces accompanying Somali forces during this operation," she added. "U.S. forces were conducting a remote advise and assist mission in support of designated Somali partner forces."
The operation marked the first U.S. airstrike in Somalia since President Joe Biden took office.
Former President Donald Trump last December ordered the Pentagon to withdraw an estimated 700 U.S. troops stationed in Somalia. Enditem