The US AFRICOM command, which oversees US military operations in Africa claimed responsibility for a series of strikes targeting multiple localities in war torn Somalia. The US claimed predator drones launched strikes targeting the town’s of Kunyo Barrow and Caliyoow Barrow in Shabellaha Hoose province.
The statement published online by US AFRICOM claim the drone strikes killed a total of four Al Shabaab militants, with no civilian casualties. The accuracy of these claims remain unverified knowing it’s nearly impossible for drones to differentiate between civilians and combatants.
However a pro Al Shabaab website dubbed ”Somali Memo” claims a local businessman identified as Kuusow Haaji Mohamed Yusuf was killed in the strike, when US drones bombed the vehicle he was traveling in. The strike that reportedly killed the individual took place in the town of Kunyo Barrow, which is one of the two towns bombed by US drones.
The statement by the pro militant mouthpiece went further and claimed 12 camels perished in the drone strike, that killed Kuusow Haaji Mohamed Yusuf. The US military has not addressed these allegations and it’s unlikely they ever will.
Listed below is an excerpt from the US AFRICOM statement regarding the recent drone strikes in Somalia.
“In coordination with the federal government of Somalia, US Africa Command conducted three airstrikes in two locations targeting al-Shabab militants in the vicinity of Qunyo Barrow and Caliyoow Barrow, Somalia.” AFRICOM said.
The series of US drone strikes targeting Al Shabaab controlled towns in southern Somalia comes 24 hours after a massive Suicide truck bomb killed over 80 civilians in the capital Mogadishu. The militant group Al Shabaab nor the Islamic State faction (ISIS) that operate in Somalia have claimed responsibility for the horrific attack.
We will keep you updated with the latest developments from the region.
Halgan Media Editorial Staff
