The United States (US) military said Friday it was assessing reports that Somali forces accompanied by U.S troops shot civilians in a raid in Lower Shabelle region.
U.S Africa Command issued a statement saying it was aware of civilian casualties resulted from an operation launched by the allied forces.
“We are aware of reports alleging civilian casualties resulting from this operation, and we take these reports seriously,” reads the statement.
U.S. Africa Command said it will review any information it has about the incident, including any relevant information provided by third parties.
“If the information supporting the allegation is determined to be credible, USAFRICOM will determine the next appropriate step,” it affirmed.
The Mission said the U.S. forces took only advice-assist role during the attack that occurred near Afgooye town.
“U.S. forces, in an advise-and-assist capacity, partnered in a Somali-led operation to disrupt and degrade Al-Shabaab’s terrorist network near Bulcida, Somalia, May 9,” read the statement.
The attack which took place early hours of Thursday had reportedly claimed lives five people mostly banana farmers in Moalimka village located in the outskirt of Afgooye town, 30km Southwest of the Somali capital, Mogadishu.
The statement affirmed that U.S. Department of Defense is fully committed to countering the threat of global terrorism, and will continue to support capable partners in the region.
“In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces partner with AMISOM and Somali forces in combined counterterrorism operations and targeting terrorists, their training camps, and their safe havens throughout Somalia and the region,” Africom vowed.
Federal government of Somalia has not commented on the attacked executed by its forces backed U.S. military.
Last year, Somali forces and U.S. troops attacked Barrire town where they killed ten civilians.
Following public outrage and protests, both Somali government and U.S military launched investigations into the allegations.
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