MOGADISHU – The United States military confirmed Wednesday that its forces conducted an airstrike against Al-Shabaab terrorists about 50km west of the capital, Mogadishu, killing two terrorists in the first drone attack this year.

The U.S. Africa Command (Africom) said the strike which was carried out early Tuesday in cooperation with Somali forces also destroyed one vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, preventing it from being used against the people in Mogadishu.

"We assess no civilians were killed in this strike," Africom said in a statement, vowing to continue to use all authorized and appropriate measures to protect the United States and its partners, and deny safe haven to terrorist groups.

The U.S. military has killed several militants in over 30 strikes carried out in coordination with the Somali government in the past week in a bid to stabilize the Horn of Africa nation.

Washington says Al-Shabaab has pledged allegiance to Al-Qaida and is dedicated to providing safe haven for terrorist attacks throughout the world.

"Together with other international partners, the United States is committed to providing Somali, AMISOM and Somalia National Security Forces with support in the fight against violent extremist organizations," Africom said.

Xinhua