US military: Our airstrike never killed Cuban doctors as alleged by Al-Shabaab

WASHINGTON - The US Africa Command refuted claims that its airstrike killed two Cuban doctors held captive by the Al-Shabaab militants, who abducted from Mandera, a town in northeastern Kenya, about five years ago. The airstrike was conducted in February this year within Jilib town.

In the quarterly report by the US Africa Command, the US military, however, admits that it indeed carried an airstrike on February 15th within Jilib town, southern Somalia, but denies killing the two doctors. The Al-shabaab maintains the two were killed by the US army.

"On Feb. 17, 2024, the command received one (1) report from an online media source stating two (2) civilians were killed as a result of a U.S. military operation in the vicinity of Jilib, Somalia, on Feb. 15, 2024," the assessment read.

"The command completed a review of available information and assessed that the U.S. airstrike conducted on Feb. 15, 2024, did not result in civilian harm."

Moments after the said airstrike, the Al-Shabab militants claimed the airstrike left Assel Herrera and Landy Rodriguez. The two had been in the militants' custody since April 2019, and both Kenya and Cuba have been working hard to secure their freedom.

The doctors were part of a medical team sent to Kenya by Cuba. Al-Shabab published an image purporting to show the body of one of the hostages. VOA Somali has not independently confirmed whether the Cuban doctors have died.

The US Africa Command also said it has completed assessments of the alleged airstrikes in Galhareeri in Galmudug state that occurred in January and February 22 in Kurtunwaarey in Southwest state. U.S. airstrikes. The team says no operations were carried out in the said towns.

"U.S. Africa Command takes all reports of possible civilian harm seriously and has a process to conduct thorough reviews and assessments using all available information," the assessment said. "The command remains committed to reviewing and assessing any reports of civilian harm."

The United States has supported the Somali government with airstrikes against al-Shabab and has been providing military training for government troops for more than a decade.

There were efforts by Somali elders to secure the release of the two medics but the militants bolted out of the talks, choosing to have them treat fighters and locals in their territory. Cuba is yet to confirm the fate of the two doctors.

GAROWE ONLINE