Somalia: AMISOM accused of civilian deaths in Lower Shabelle

BARAWE, Somalia- African Union Peacekeeping Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) was reported to have killed two pastoralists yesterday near Barawe district in Lower Shabelle region, Garowe Online reports.

The two identified as Abdirahman Hasan Burad, 17 and Abdi Hasan Baryare, 15, were shot dead by AMISOM forces, according to their relatives.

“They were killed near water well, as they were keeping their livestock at Wareer-malle area,” said their uncle Shaikh Nur Mohamed. He claimed AMISOM forces have also killed over 60 camels belonging to the deceased young men.    

Yesterday, AMISOM convoy was reported to be targeted in a landmine explosion near the area as they were heading to Barawe district, which prompted AU forces to fire at nearby areas.  

However, AU officials haven’t released a statement in regard to the killing of two brothers near Barawe. In similar incident last December, AMISOM forces have killed 6 civilians in Qoryoley district after firing a mortar on a minibus ferrying passengers.

AMISOM troops were deployed to support the Somali army in their fight against Al Qaida-linked Al Shabaab militants and jointly they pushed back the militants from Mogadishu and key major towns in southern and central Somalia.

GAORWEONLINE