Saturday September 9, 2023
Mogadishu (HOL) - At least seven civilians, including a grandmother and five children, were killed in a drone strike in central Somalia on Thursday after militants sought refuge in a house compound containing a family, according to local elders.
The Somali Ministry of Information has confirmed that five al-Shabab members, including three leaders, were killed in a joint operation in the west El-lahelay in the Galgadud region. Among those killed were Olol Ali Guled, who served as the head of al-Shabaab's insurgent militia in Galmudug, Shuuke Ali Dheeg, and Isse Barre, and two other wanted al-Shabab members.
Although the government did not specify which international partner supported the attack. The U.S. military's Africa Command (AFRICOM) issued a statement on Friday confirming that Somali national forces conducted a counter-terrorism operation near El-Lahelay, killing three al Shabab leaders.
The AFRICOM, which has been helping the Somali government in its yearlong offensive against al-Shabaab, acknowledged the loss of civilian lives but did not specify the exact number.
"Unfortunately, civilians were injured and killed in the vicinity of the operation," AFRICOM said in a statement. "U.S. forces were not onsite for the operation and did not conduct air strikes during or in support of the operation."
Speaking to BBC Somali, Somalia's deputy information minister, Abdirahman Yusuf, denied responsibility for the civilian casualties. He asserted, "[Al-Shabab] placed explosive devices in a civilian house, which caused the deaths of innocent people."
Al-Shabab has been fighting since 2006 to topple the country's central government and install its own rule, based on a strict interpretation of Islam.