New York (SD) – A senior US CIA official has been killed in Somalia last weekend, US officials confirmed to the NY times on condition of anonymity.

According to the New York Times, the officer, who was part of the CIA’s military support unit, was killed during a battle inside Somalia.

The location and time of the killing were not disclosed, however, he is thought to have died of injuries he sustained in a recent fight.

The reported death of the officer comes at a time when President Donald Trump has ordered US withdrawal from Somalia.

The US government has more than 700 soldiers in the country, which provide training to Somali and AMISOM troops, also taking part in the fight against al-Shabaab.

Al-Shabaab is estimated to command between 5,000 and 10,000 fighters, according to estimates from Africa Command and the Defense Intelligence Agency.