Wednesday July 10, 2024
FILE - A mortar launcher positioned in a mountainous area, similar to the type used in the recent attack on Balow village, Lower Shabelle region, where several civilians were killed and injured.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Several mortar shells struck Balow village in the Lower Shabelle region on Wednesday, resulting in significant civilian casualties.
The mortar shells targeted Balow village following a fierce battle between government forces and Al-Shabaab. Ten civilians were killed.
Thirteen others, mainly from the same family, were injured and taken to hospitals in Mogadishu. Some are in critical condition, and it has been confirmed that two of the wounded died yesterday afternoon at the hospital.
Ibrahim Siidow, a member of one of the affected families, reported that four of his children were killed, and his mother, father, and wife were injured.
"A mortar shell was fired at us, and it devastated us. Four of my children died, and one was injured. My father, mother, and wife sustained serious injuries," said Ibrahim Siidow.
The latest mortar attack adds to similar occurrences in the Bariire area and its surrounding villages, where previous airstrikes have caused civilian casualties.