US service member killed in Somalia

A U.S. service member has been killed in Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (Africom) said Friday.

The service member was killed Thursday during an operation against al-Shabab near Barii, about 40 miles west of the capital of Mogadishu, Africom said in a statement.

{mosads}“Al-Shabaab presents a threat to Americans and American interests,” the statement said. “Al Shabaab’s affiliate, al-Qaeda has murdered Americans; radicalizes and recruits terrorists and fighters in the United States; and attempts to conduct and inspire attacks against Americans, our allies and our interests around the world, including here at home.”

The operation was part of the U.S. advise-and-assist mission alongside members of the Somali National Army, Africom added.

The statement provided no additional details about the operation.

According to CNN, two other U.S. troops were injured in the operation as well.  

In March, President Trump gave the military more authority to launch airstrikes and conduct raids in Somalia after a request from Africom’s commander, Gen. Thomas Waldhauser.