MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Turkish drones carried out an airstrike on Saturday [31 January] in the village of Maxaa Saciid in the Middle Shabelle region, killing at least 12 civilians, according to local residents.
Eyewitnesses told Kaab TV that the Turkish drones targeted a mosque during Asr prayer, where up to 10 people were killed immediately, and two more later died from their injuries.
A local resident who wished to remain anonymous told Kaab TV that the victims included elders.
Kaab TV has obtained photos of some of the people killed in the airstrike.
Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) stated that the airstrike in Maxaa Saciid killed members of Al-Shabaab.
However, local residents said that those who died were civilians from the village of Maxaa Saciid.
In recent days, fighting has taken place in the Middle Shabelle region between Somali government forces and Al-Shabaab, with Turkish drones providing aerial support to the government forces.
Al-Shabaab recently captured several areas in Middle Shabelle, including Nuur Dugle, Masaajid Cali Gaduud, Maxaa Saciid, and Jabad Godane.
Last week, government forces clashed with Al-Shabaab in Jabad Godane, Warsheekh district.