MOGADISHU, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. military has confirmed its special forces conducted a successful collective self-defense strike operation against an Al-Shabaab troop concentration in Somalia on Sunday and vowed to dismantle the militants.
In a statement issued on Wednesday night, the U.S. Africa Command (Africom) vowed to intensify onslaught against Al-Shabaab militants in order to protect people including Americans and its allies.
"We continue to work in coordination with our Somali partners and allies to systematically dismantle Al-Shabaab, and help achieve stability and security throughout the region," Africom said.
Africom, which has in the past conducted counterterrorism airstrikes against the terror group in Somalia, said the Sunday airstrikes that targeted the militants occurred at about 480 km southwest of Mogadishu.
The statement comes after Somalia on Wednesday confirmed that 10 Al-Shabaab militants were killed in the joint attack by U.S. and Somali government forces.
Washington said the units and assets involved in the operation would not be identified to ensure operational security.
"We will continue to assess the results of the operation, and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the units involved and assets used will not be released in order to ensure operational security," Africom said.
"This strike was conducted within the parameters of our authority to engage in collective self-defense of our Somali partners," it added.
According to Africom, Al-Shabaab has pledged allegiance to Al-Qaida and is dedicated to providing safe haven for terrorist attacks throughout the world.
"Al-Shabaab has publicly committed to planning and conducting attacks against the U.S. and our allies," Africom said.
