Story highlights The new authorization designates some regions of Somalia an "area of active hostilities"

US defense officials stressed the changes would not result in relaxing procedures to prevent civilian deaths

Washington (CNN) President Donald Trump has approved stepping up counterterrorism strikes in Somalia, according to the Pentagon.

The White House is granting more authority to the military's head of Africa Command to wage a campaign against the terror group al Shabaab.

"The additional support provided by this authority will help deny al-Shabaab safe havens from which it could attack US citizens or US interests in the region," Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis said in a statement.

The military will now be able to conduct "precision airstrikes" in support of the African Union Mission in Somalia and the Somalia National Army in their fight against the terror group.

US defense officials were adamant that the changes would not result in a relaxing of procedures to prevent civilian casualties.

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