US launches air strikes against Isis fighters in Somalia for first time
Isis-linked fighters are a growing presence in the Horn of Africa nation
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The US military for the first time has conducted two air strikes against Isis group fighters in Somalia.
A US official said the strikes were carried out in northeastern Somalia, with the first around midnight local time and the second later in the morning.
The official was not authorised to discuss the mission publicly so spoke on condition of anonymity.
Isis-linked fighters are a growing presence in the Horn of Africa nation long threatened by the al-Qaeda-linked extremist group al-Shabaab.
A Somali security official says at least six missiles struck in Buqa, a remote mountainous village roughly 60km (37 miles) north of Qandala town in Somalia's northern state of Puntland. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media.
The US Africa Command said "several terrorists" were killed in the strikes. It said they were carried out early on Friday in northeastern Somalia in coordination with Somalia's government.
AP
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments