Summary:
- An airstrike in Afgoye village, Somalia, killed 21 civilians, including women and children. Relatives claim they were innocent and not affiliated with Al-Shabaab. Despite demands for justice, both the Somali government and the US have remained silent.
The targeted village of Afgoye, situated 30 km northwest of Mogadishu, witnessed a tragic airstrike on Monday night, claiming the lives of at least 21 civilians, including women and children. According to their relatives who spoke to the media, the victims were all members of the same family, with no affiliation to Al-Shabaab.
In contrast, earlier reports from the Somali intelligence agency indicated that a joint operation in Baqdada village had resulted in the deaths of at least 30 Al-Shabaab militants.
The bereaved families are now calling for justice from both the Somali government and the United States, alleging that their loved ones fell victim to what they describe as an act of genocide. These civilians were reportedly targeted while seeking refuge in their shelters, having been displaced from their homes due to ongoing conflicts and drought in the Lower Shabelle region of southern Somalia.
As of now, the Somali government has yet to issue a formal response to these accusations, while the United States has maintained silence on the matter.
