MOGADISHU (SD) – The Federal Government of Somalia has provided additional details regarding a heavy airstrike near Kismayo, the interim capital of Jubaland.

The operation, jointly conducted by the Somali National Army and the U.S. Air Force, took place in Beerxaani, approximately 35 km northwest of Kismayo in the Lower Juba region.

According to a statement from the Somali Ministry of Information, the airstrike targeted and destroyed a group of Al-Shabab militants who were mobilizing and preparing to launch a planned attack. “The operation prevented the destruction that the Khawarij group intended to cause,” the statement read.

Preliminary reports indicate that at least 10 Al-Shabaab fighters were killed in the strike. The Somali government also confirmed that there were no civilian casualties.

“The Somali National Army, with the support of international allies, particularly the U.S. military, remains committed to eliminating the Khawarij and preventing their coordinated attacks that aim to harm the Somali people,” the statement concluded.