At least 40 more suspected al-Shabaab militants have been wiped out in another airstrike in Somalia amid intensified war against terrorism.
The militants were reportedly killed in Lower Shabelle, southern Samalia, by the United States (US) military which has in the recent past unleashed a series of devastating airstrikes killing over 100 members of the outlawed sect.
Confirming the Saturday assault, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said 40 militants were eliminated during a raid that was conducted by NISA forces in collaboration with US soldiers operating under Africa Command (AFRICOM).
NISA noted its forces raided a number of areas where the al-Shabaab militants were believed to be forcing helpless locals to pay taxes and pledge allegiance to the terrorist group.
Weapons belonging to the terrorists were confiscated and destroyed during the raids, which came barely a week after another airstike left more than 20 members of the al-Shabaab militant dead.
The US military on January 30, 2019, launched an airstrike in Shabeley, Hiran region of Somalia, killing 24 militants on the spot.
The US Africa Command Director Gregg Olson confirmed the development and clarified no civilian was killed during the attack.
The major general added the precision airstrikes were part of larger plan to support Somalia's national army as it continuously seeks to flush out and eliminate the al-Shabaab militants.
"Precision strikes are part of our strategy. Strikes continue to help our partners make progress in their fight against transnational terrorists who oppose peace in Somalia and the region," he said.
The latest assault on the al-Shabaab group was intensified following the terror strike at DusitD2 Hotel complex in 14 Riverside Drive, Westlands, Nairobi.
The Tuesday, January 15, strike at Dusit claimed 21 lives and left 28 others nursing injuries.
However, more than 700 civilians were rescued in an intense security operation that lasted for over 18 hours.
A number of suspects believed to had played a role in the DusitD2 attack have since been arrested as investigations continue.
