MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – Airstrikes targeted multiple locations in southern Somalia, resulting in the deaths of at least three civilians, including a mother and her child, according to local media and Hormuud Telecom.
Journalist Mohamed Gabobe reported that the airstrikes specifically targeted the densely populated towns of Saakow, Salagle, Jilib, and Jamaame, all controlled by an al-Qaeda-linked militant group in the Middle Jubba region.
Local reports revealed that two individuals, a mother and her child, lost their lives in the bombing of Salagle, with two children sustaining injuries.
There has been a surge in airstrikes in #Somalia’s Jubba Valley within the past few days alone.
Airstrikes targeting four separate densely populated towns of Sakow, Sagagle, Jilib and Jamaame. One of those airstrikes reportedly killed a mother and young child. #Somalia
— Mohamed Gabobe (@Mohamed_Gabobe) June 17, 2023
Additionally, another civilian was injured in Saakow during a Friday night airstrike. Some local media outlets have attributed the strikes to the Kenyan army, while others suggest the involvement of drones operated by the United Arab Emirates.
Hormuud, Somalia’s largest telecom provider, confirmed that its site in Saakow was damaged and casualties caused after it was hit by the airstrike on Friday.
“There are reported human casualties but no Hormuud staff member was physically harmed, nevertheless the disruption of telecommunications services, destruction of property and emotional distress for local communities and our team have been significant,” the telecom company said in a statement on Saturday.
Hormuud Telecom did not attribute responsibility for the attack.
We are deeply saddened to inform you that our #Saakow site in the Middle Jubba region, #Somalia, was struck by an airstrike last night, June 17, 2023. The site has suffered significant losses and damage, causing disruption to our telecom and EVC Plus mobile money services. We are… pic.twitter.com/SDkNruEI6I
— Hormuud Telecom (@Hormuud) June 17, 2023
The United States has been known to conduct airstrikes and drone strikes in southern Somalia regions controlled by al-Shabaab, but there has been no official confirmation from U.S. Africom regarding these incidents.
The telecom company expressed deep concern over the human casualties, property destruction, and disruption of telecommunications services, highlighting the significant impact on local communities.
Thousands of residents were left without essential network services.
“We are working round-the-clock to resume full services,” the telecom company added.
No official claim of responsibility has been made regarding the airstrikes on Thursday and Friday.
The Somali government officials have not yet provided any comments on the airstrikes or the reported civilian casualties.