US vows to restore peace in Somalia despite death of service member

The United States on Saturday vowed to deepen its partnership with Somalia to stabilize the country despite the death of its military service member in the Horn of Africa nation on Friday.
U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Stephen Michael Schwartz who extended heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the victim cited the strong relationship Washington has with Mogadishu.
"This tragedy is a testament to the commitment and sacrifice of our U.S. military colleagues who work closely with their Somali and other African counterparts every day to end the destruction inflicted upon the Somali people by Al-Shabaab," Schwartz said in a statement issued in Mogadishu.
The envoy said the service member died heroically supporting an operation against the Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Shabaab that has terrorized the people of Somalia and East Africa for many years and threatened American interests.
"The U.S. has a strong relationship with the government and people of Somalia and looks forward to deepening this partnership to restore peace and prosperity in the country," he said
The victim, a member of the Navy SEAL was killed and two other American service members were wounded in a raid in Somalia on Friday, the first American combat fatality there since the 1993 "Black Hawk Down" battle with Somali fighters.
The U.S. Africa Command, responsible for all American military operations on the continent, said forces came under attack during an advise-and-assist mission alongside members of the Somali National Army.
The U.S. Special Forces and Somali security forces have been conducting joint operations for more than a year as part of American effort to help the Somali government combat insurgents who have increased attacks against on the Western-backed government.

source: Xinhua