MOGADISHU, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. army said Wednesday that it conducted two airstrikes in southeastern Somalia on Monday, killing 12 al-Shabaab militants.

"The airstrikes on Feb. 11 were executed as Somali forces were leading an operation in an area where al-Shabaab conducts terrorist activities, as well as exploits the local populace for illegal taxes," the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) said in a statement.

It said no civilian was killed or injured in either strike which was carried out near Janaale in Lower Shabelle Region.

The U.S. military has stepped up operations in the Horn of Africa nation in the past year after President Donald Trump softened restrictions on the military in March 2017.