Five killed in explosion targeting AU forces in Somalia's capital

MOGADISHU, Somalia - At least five civilians have been killed in Mogadishu, Somalia's capital, officials say, following a morning explosion that targeted an African Union Mission Forces, who are part of the team that is pushing for peace and stability in the Horn of Africa nation, which has struggled for tranquility in the last three decades.

A heavy explosion was followed by an intense gunfight within the capital as the AU forces responded in distress, multiple eyewitnesses said, some arguing that the African Union troops were shooting indiscriminately during the unfortunate incident without taking into consideration the presence of civilians.

Witnesses said the explosion resulted from a landmine that targeted an AU convoy passing Fagah junction in northern Mogadishu. One of the AMISOM armored vehicles reported damage in the IED, thus leading to the response by the contingent that was at the scene.

At least five Somali civilians have been confirmed dead and nine others wounded after AU forces opened fire indiscriminately on residents after their convoy hit by a roadside explosion in Mogadishu on Monday morning as per medical and police sources.

This is not the first time the AU forces are opening fire against the civilians once their convoy is targeted by landmine explosions. Previously, the troops have faced similar accusations, but they have often defended their urge to defend the civilian population in such encounters.

Until now, no group is yet to take responsibility but Al-Shabaab militants are synonymous with such IED attacks targeting security forces, government officials, and sometimes innocent civilians. The group still controls large swathes of rural central and southern Somalia.

The African Union Mission has close to 22,000 soldiers in the war-torn nation and the team is set to leave in 2021 upon full implementation of the Somali Transition Plan [STP]. Some of the force contributing nations include Ethiopia, Kenya, Burundi, Djibouti, and Uganda.

The explosion comes few hours after the Somali National Army confirmed killing over 17 militants in Lower Shabelle among them two foreign fighters from Tanzania and Syria respectively. The multi-agency security team is currently coordinating operations in areas still under Al-Shabaab militants.

GAROWE ONLINE