The U.S. military conducted a “defensive” airstrike against al Shabab militants in southern Somalia Thursday, according to Pentagon officials, NBC News reported.
More than a dozen al Shabab militants opened fire on U.S. military advisers and Ugandan soldiers who raided an illegal taxation checkpoint in rural Somalia. An MQ-9 Predator drone that was overhead conducted the airstrike very quickly.
American officials did not fire on al Shabab themselves, nor were the Americans ever fired at, officials said. Five militants were killed and two more were wounded.
The U.S. military, which was acting in an advise and assist capacity during the raid, has about 50 personnel supporting the African Union Mission in Somalia.
