US attacks al-Shabab militants in Somalia

The US has carried out a military operation against al-Shabab militants in Somalia, officials say.

The Pentagon is assessing the results of Monday’s operation before releasing details, a spokesman said.

However a US official quoted by the American media said “a senior al-Shabab operative” had been targeted.

The al-Qaeda-linked group lost control of Mogadishu to an African Union force in 2011 but still hold many southern and central areas.

“We are assessing the results of the operation and will provide additional information as and when appropriate,” Pentagon spokesman John F Kirby said in a statement.

Residents of Hawai village, some 240km (150 miles) south of the capital, Mogadishu say they heard three loud explosions and then saw thick black smoke rising............... COMPLETE THIS STORY HERE