Hiiraan Online
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Mogadishu (HOL) - At least four children have been confirmed killed by an air strike on the southern Somali village of Ilale, 15km South of Elwak in Gedo region by the Kenyan Air Force.
The death of the children has been confirmed by local witnesses who contacted VOA Somalia services.
The death of the children, 3 boys and 1 girl created an atmosphere of panic among the people living in Gedo region. The locals also reported the extensive damage done to livestock, especially the loss of camels.
The Kenyan air strike was targeting Al Shabab insurgents who are believed to operate in the area. Many believe the attack to be retribution for the five Kenyan police who were killed by Al Shabab in northeastern Kenya on June 20. Al Shabab has claimed responsibility in that attack.
KDF bombing campaigns in Gedo region have come under criticism for the civilian casualties it incurs. In late January the Somali government formed a committee to investigate airstrikes by Kenyan warplanes in the region.