Somalia: AMISOM to probe claims of civilian killing

MOGADISHU, Somalia- The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) stated in Saturday, they will launch investigation into claims that Ethiopian troops serving with the AU, killed at least seven civilians in Galgaduud region in central Somalia, Garowe Online reports.

AMISOM rejected the claims of local media of civilian causalities last Wednesday in Galgaduud region and said that the troops foiled an ambush attack by Al Shabaab militant on its convoy near Eel Buur district.

“AU is aware of allegations in the media of civilian deaths attributed to its troops, but it’s not aware of such deaths,” read the statement.

It said its soldiers take utmost care to protect civilians in all its operations, adding that all allegations are investigated with the Somali Federal government.

However, AMISOM troops were accused previously of civilians deaths during fighting with Al Qaida linked Al Shabaab group in central and southern Somalia.

Somali National army (SNA) along with allied AU troops have been battling Al Shabaab insurgents in Somalia for years as part of stabilization efforts in the horn of African nation.

GAROWEONLINE