22 Somalis Killed in US Drone Attack, 11 Killed in Fighting in Gedo

US drone attack in SW Somalia kills at least 22

Press TV, Friday April 27, 2012, 1:12PM

A US assassination drone has pounded Somalia’s southwestern region of Gedo, killing at least 22 people in the attack, Press TV reports.

The attack was carried out on Friday when the unmanned aerial vehicle fired missiles at an area near Gedo’s Dhobley town.

Authorities say dozens of people have been wounded in the airstrike.

The US military uses remote-controlled drones in Somalia for reconnaissance operations and targeted killings.

Washington has been carrying out assassination attacks using the unmanned aircraft in other countries including Afghanistan, Libya Pakistan, and Yemen.

The United States claims the CIA-run strikes are aimed at militants. But witness reports and figures offered by local authorities indicate the attacks have led to massive civilian deaths in these countries.

The UN has condemned the of US assassination drone strikes, saying they pose a challenge to international law.

AMF/MRS/JR/HGH

Fighting in Gedo Region Leaves 11 Dead

Shabelle Media Network, April 27, 2012

GARBAHAREY (Sh.M.Network)-

Eleven people slain and many more others sustained injures in a battle between Somali soldiers backed by Kenyan military and Al-Shabab, in southwestern Somali region of Gedo, officials said on Friday.

According to local residents who spoke with Shabelle Media under anonymity confirmed that the fighting started when Al-Shabab bases came under heavy ground and air attacks by Somali and Kenyan forces several townships located on the outskirts of Garbaharey town, the provincial capital of Gedo region.

Both warring sides claimed victory over the upper hand of the fighting. Sheik Abdiasais Abu Musab, the spokesman of Al-Shabab for the military operations said that his fighters have managed to kill in discovered number of soldiers during the raid against TFG and Kenya army.

On his side, Aden Ahmed Hirse better known as (Rufle), said Somali and Kenya army handled to foil the attack and ward off the militants from area during the counter-fighting. He added that at least 7 fighters lost their lives in the combat.

There are no any independent sources verify the reports on the battle in Gedo region, southwestern Somalia.

The town has also a major presence of heavily armed Ethiopian forces, which are supporting Somali government troops and a pro-government militia group, Ahlu Sunna and has been under their control for almost a year.

http://shabelle.net/2012/04/27/fighting-in-gedo-region-leaves-11-dead/

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