US in first airstrikes against IS in Somalia
America has carried out its first two airstrikes against Islamic State fighters in Somalia, accordin..
America has carried out its first two airstrikes against Islamic State fighters in Somalia, according to a US security official.
At least six missiles hit Buqa, a mountainous village in the northern state of Puntland, a Somali security official said.
The attack may have targeted senior leaders of IS, which has a growing presence in the region.
The mayor of nearby Qandala town, Jama Mohamed, confirmed the attack, which he said had terrified locals and sent them fleeing with their animals.
America has carried out drone strikes against the al Qaeda-linked al Shabab group in Somalia, but this is the first against Islamic State fighters.
IS claimed a suicide bombing in Puntland in May that killed at least four people, thought to be the first time IS had claimed an attack in Somalia.
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