http://thehill.com/policy/defense/216358-us-military-conducts-operation-in-somaliaDetails scarce on US operation in Somalia
By Mario Trujillo - 09/02/14 07:37 AM EDT
The U.S. military conducted an operation in Somalia against al-Shabaab on Monday night, according to the Pentagon.
The Defense Department offered no other details, according to multiple reports, saying only that it is still assessing the results and will provide more information when appropriate.
A Somali intelligence official told The Associated Press a drone strike targeted al-Shabaab leader Ahmed Abdi Godane after he left a meeting about 100 miles south of the capital, Mogadishu.
The government in Somalia had launched its own operation against al-Shabaab, an al Qaeda affiliate, days ahead of the U.S. strike on Monday night, according to Agence France-Presse.
The strike also came after al-Shabaab members were suspected of attacking a prison in Mogadishu, attempting to free some prisoners. The government regained control of the prison on Sunday, according to the AP.
Regular U.S. troops have not been on the ground in Somalia, since 1993 but the United States has launched a series of drone strikes against the network in recent years, including in January and October of last year.
The Washington Post reported about two dozen U.S. military personnel were sent to the country last October to advise African troops fighting al-Shabaab.
