Somalia: US probes claims of civilians killed in raid

Image

MOGADISHU, Somalia — The U.S. military says it is taking seriously reports that civilians were killed in a raid it supported in Somalia against the extremist group al-Shabab.

The U.S. Africa Command statement comes a day after Somali intelligence officials told The Associated Press that U.S. and Somali commandos had seized three men thought to be al-Shabab commanders during the raid on a village in Lower Shabelle region.

Villagers including relatives told the AP that the five people killed late Wednesday were farmers, not fighters.

The five bodies were laid out on display Thursday outside a hospital in the capital, Mogadishu.

The U.S. says its forces advised and assisted a Somali-led operation on Wednesday targeting al-Shabab near the community of Bulcida.

The U.S. says it will review any information about the incident.

Related Articles

Somali president says efforts underway to prevent Israeli influence in Somaliland

Somalia continues to rely on international backing, including support for African Union peace operations.

  • Somalia

    01-08-2026

  • 02:13PM

Somalia: U.S. has no plans to recognize Somaliland, AFRICOM chief says

Anderson's remarks are likely to ease speculation that Washington could follow Israel in recognizing Somaliland's independence.

  • Somalia

    01-08-2026

  • 11:55AM