The United States has refuted claims of conducting an airstrike on Southwest Somalia.
In a statement on Tuesday, the US Africa Command said it did not conduct air strikes on Somalia April 14.
“The US military did not conduct any kind of kinetic action in that area during the time frame referenced. The most recent US strike in Somalia was conducted in January, 2017,” read the statement from the command.
This follows a string of publication in print and online media reporting that the US military conducted airstrikes in Somalia.
According to Chicago Tribune, the last time US military sent dozens of regular troops to Somalia in large numbers, it was over two decades ago.
The command in the statement added that Washington routinely works with allies and partners in coordinated efforts to address regional security and stability matters.
In request of security force assistance by Somalia government, the statement further read, US military will second a few dozen troops from the 101st Airborne Division for the operation.
The operation will improve the logistical capacity of the Somali National Army to give it a better hand in fighting the terror group.
“The objective of this particular train and equip mission is to improve the logistical capacity of the Somali National Army and the focus will be on teaching basic logistics operations, which will allow Somalia forces to better fight Al-Shabaab.”
In an interview with the New York Post, US Africa Command Head Thomas Waldhauser said they are trying to look at Somalia from a fresh perspective.
“The US is trying to take a look at Somalia from a fresh perspective in the way ahead,” said Waldhauser.
Heightened concern by the US against terror comes in the wake of an increase of cases where young Americans of Somali origin travelled to Somali to join al-shabaab, the US Department of Defense reiterated its commitment to working towards eliminating al-shabaab in fear of having America attacked.