MOGADISHU, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The United States military confirmed on Wednesday that its special forces conducted an airstrike against al-Shabab terrorists in Awdhegle in Lower Shabelle region of southern Somalia on Tuesday, killing four militants.

"The U.S. airstrike was conducted against militants after U.S. and partner forces came under attack. We currently assess this airstrike killed four militants with no civilians involved," the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) said in a statement.

The military said it is committed to preventing al-Shabab from taking advantage of safe havens from which they can build capacity and attack the people of Somalia.

"In particular, the group uses portions of southern and central Somalia to plot and direct terror attacks, steal humanitarian aid, extort the local populace to fund its operations, and shelter radical terrorists," said the AFRICOM.

The U.S. forces alongside Somali and African Union forces have increased ground and air offensives against the militant group in the last few months.