KDF condemned for killing innocent civilians in Somalia’s airstrikes
MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalia has once again accused Kenya of the Armed Forces [KDF] to carry out airstrikes in the Gedo region against civilians under the pretext of fighting extremists, in particular the Al-Shabaab group, which controls large parts of the countryside in central and southern Somalia.
In a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Somalia cited the latest operations in the Gedo region where KDF reportedly targeted civilians and killed a couple of them. It was the first statement in as many months as Somalia raised concerns about KDF airstrikes in the region.
The ministry said KDF would carry out “indiscriminate” airstrikes in El-Adde and Hisa-u-gur on June 3; Condemns strongly reported strikes. However, it did not provide evidence regarding the airstrikes, but the KDF has a strong presence of troops in the region bordering Kenya.
The ministry further said that KDF strikes are “one-sided” and “clothed in the allegation of carrying out operations against extremism”. There is also a huge presence of Al-Shabaab in the Gedo region who is accused of targeting security forces, government officials and innocent civilians.
The ministry now says Somalia will complain to the African Union about the alleged breach of the agreement governing AMISOM operations in the country. KDF has close to 3,500 troops serving in AMISOM and is stationed in Sectors II and IV of the AMISOM jurisdictions.
According to Somali government media, the airstrike in El-Adde killed one mother and injured five of her children. Kenya has not yet responded to the statement, but in most cases it has never issued statements regarding KDF activities in Somalia.
It is in El-Adde where KDF has also suffered heavy losses after a 2016 attack by Al-Shabaab that left over 200 soldiers dead. Not far from El-Adde, the troops also suffered a new setback when Al-Shabaab ran over a KDF camp in Kulbuyow.
AXADLETM
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