Hiiraan Online
Monday February 27, 2017
Kismayo (HOL) - Residents in Lower Shabelle report seeing low flying aircrafts over Owdegley. It is believed that they are American military aircrafts.
The Owdegley area is currently controlled by Al-Shabaab.
Residents who spoke to HOL confirmed that the planes were visible and worry that their presence may signal an impending airstrike on the area.
One resident told us that tensions are "extremely" high in the area, and they are unsure of what to do.
There are conflicting reports on whether they were manned fighter jets or drones.
The U.S African Command (AFRICOM) supports AMISOM operations in Lower Shabelle and regularly flies reconnaissance drones and conducts airstrikes through a base at Balidoogle.
The sightings come just a day after the AP reported that the Pentagon wants to expand military operations in the region to battle Al-Shabaab militants. They requested approval to launch airstrikes against militants on a "more pre-emptive basis". They also requested special operation forces increase assistance to AMISOM and the Somali National Army.
Officials said that under the new recommendations, the military would be able For example, the U.S. could target al-Shabab fighters gathering for an attack rather than waiting until friendly forces were under fire.
In an interview with the AP, Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, the head of AFRICOM said that Somalia is "our most perplexing challenge".