US statement on death of soldier

Here is the complete statement from US Africa Command on the death of the US soldier in Somalia:

“On 4 May, one US service member was killed during an operation against al-Shabab near Barii, Somalia, approximately 40 miles west of Mogadishu.”

“US forces were conducting an advise and assist mission alongside members of the Somali National Army.

“Al-Shabab presents a threat to Americans and American interests. Al Shabaab’s affiliate, al-Qaeda has murdered Americans; radicalises and recruits terrorists and fighters in the United States; and attempts to conduct and inspire attacks against Americans, our allies and our interests around the world, including here at home.

“US forces are assisting partner forces to counter al-Shabab in Somalia to degrade the al-Qaeda affiliate’s ability to recruit, train and plot external terror attacks throughout the region and in America.

“We continue to support our Somali and regional partners to systematically dismantle this al-Qaeda affiliate, and help them to achieve stability and security throughout the region as part of the global counter-terrorism effort.”