Shabelle Media Network (Mogadishu)
24 June 2011
Kismayo — Residents in southern Somalia town of Kismayo started displacing from their homes a day after unknown helicopters launched aerial attacks there.
On Thursday, at least two Al shabaab fighters have been killed in tha that raid, according to locals.
The attacks took place in the neighborhood of Qandal about 10 kilometers south of Kismayo late Thursday as heavy explosions were heard throughout the coastal town.
Most of the displacing people are herders and pastoralists as they faced fearful conditions. They are heading towards the towns of Dhobley, Afmadow and other areas in Lower Jubba region.
Reports from Kismayo suggested that a large number of Al shabaab fighters reached the targeted Qandal area and started seach operations there.
The chairman of Al shabaab at Kismayo, Sheikh Hassan Yaqub Ali told Al shabaab run radio that unknown helicopters raid them, but aid rebelled. He said two of their fighters injured in attack.
The United States has authorized covert operations in the Horn of Africa nation in the past. U.S. Special Forces killed one of east Africa’s top al Qaeda militants, Kenyan-born Saleh Ali Nabhan, in southern Somalia in September 2009.
U.S. officials have said they have a list of suspects they believe are in Somalia and constantly monitor the country with a view to striking if any are spotted.
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Residents Start Displacing After Air-Strike in Kisamayo