MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – A Somali clan militia has claimed that 12 of its fighters were killed in an airstrike on Sunday, May 18, in the central region of the country.
The strike reportedly occurred near Moqokori, about 230 kilometers north of Mogadishu.
According to Abdi Hassan, a commander with the Hiiraan-based Ma’awisley militia, the strike hit a group of their fighters who were aligned with government forces in the fight against al-Shabaab.
“Twelve of our men were killed when the airstrike—likely carried out by a drone—hit our position,” he said.
The area has seen a surge in fighting between clan militias and al-Shabaab militants in recent weeks.
However, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) issued a statement on Wednesday (21 May) confirming an airstrike in the region but said it targeted al-Shabaab militants, not allied local forces.
The strike was carried out on May 17 near Mabaax, roughly 200 kilometers north of Mogadishu.
“Al-Shabaab has proven its intent and capability to attack U.S. forces,” AFRICOM stated. “AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to plan and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad.”
AFRICOM did not disclose details about casualties or the type of drone used, citing operational security.
Somali federal officials have not issued any statement regarding the reported deaths of the 12 militia members or the conflicting accounts surrounding the strike.