An airstrike conducted by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia on Tuesday killed an Al-Shabaab terrorist in the vicinity of Qunyo Barrow, Somalia.

According to AFRICOM, the slain terrorist had direct links to the al-Qaeda terror organisation. AFRICOM says airstrikes near Qunyo Barrow disrupt Al-Shabaab's freedom of maneuver and ability to organize.

AFRICOM did not give further details of the terrorist.

"Armed over-watch and the progression of Somali forces are preventing individuals and larger groups of al-Shabaab fighters from doing future harm to innocent Somalis and becoming a potential threat to the United States." Director of operations (AFRICOM) Maj. Gen. William Gayler said.

AFRICOM added that an assessment showed no civilians were harmed or killed in the airstrike.

This is the second airstrike in a week by the US military in Somalia that has killed an Al-Shabaab terrorist with ties to Al-Qaeda.

Last week, on Tuesday, a strike in the vicinity of Jilib killed one such terrorist.

AFRICOM has pledged to maintain pressure on Al-Shabaab's network and levels of leadership while tackling violent extremist intentions and actions.

Somalia has been dogged by war for more than a decade, perpetrated by the Al-Shabaab militant group. The war has killed tens of thousands and forced millions of others to flee their homes.

Source: AFRICOM