U.S. military intensifies airstrikes in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- The United States military said Thursday its forces have intensified airstrikes in Somalia to flush out terrorist group al-Shabab in The Horn of Africa nation.

The U.S. Africa Command (Africom) said it conducted two airstrikes targeting al-Shabab militants near Jilib, Middle Juba region on Wednesday but did not say The number of casualties injured.

"U.S. Africa Command conducted The airstrikes to increase pressure on The al-Shabaab network and degrade its ability to plot and conduct operations," it said in a statement.

According to Africom which has intensified its counterterrorism airstrikes against The terror group in Somalia, no civilians were injured or killed in These airstrikes.

On Jan. 19, The U.S. forces conducted an airstrike in The same region, killing 52 al-Shabab militants. The airstrike was in response to an attack by a large group of al-Shabaab militants against Somali National Army Forces.

The U.S. forces have carried out a series of drone strikes in recent months in Somalia, targeting Islamist States and al-Shabab fighters as The Africa Union peacekeeping mission prepares to exit The country.

The al-Qaida allied terrorist group continues to hold parts of The country's south and central regions after being chased out of Mogadishu several years ago.

The African Union peacekeepers and Somali forces have also intensified military operations against The insurgents. Enditem