AMISOM probing alleged death of civilians at hands of Uganda People’s Defense Forces in Somalia

MOGADISHU,Kenya, Aug 12 – The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has launched investigations into the alleged death of civilians in the Lower Shabelle region, purpotedly at the hands of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) 

According to reports, 7 people were killed during the attack.

AMISOM however Thursday in a statement said that the troops had been ambushed by suspected Al-Shabaab operatives.

“Soldiers of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) while on a routine patrol to secure the Main Supply Route along the Beldamin-Golweyn Forward Operating Base in the Lower Shabelle region, were ambushed and attacked by Al-Shabab militants,” read a section of the statement.

During the ambush, the soldiers were forced to engage the gunmen resulting in their death.

The AMISOM patrol team seized firearms, rounds of ammunition and mobile phones, among other equipment after the attack.

Local residents have however since refuted the reports by AMISOM saying that those killed were innocent civilians.

A probe into the incident is ongoing this as the Somalia Federal Government is yet to issue an in-depth statement on the attack.

“AMISOM has since received reports that civilian lives were lost. Under the applicable International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Human Rights, AMISOM is obliged and remains deeply committed to carrying out its mandated tasks in Somalia in strict compliance with such obligations. ” said AMISOM.

The investigation team is expected to present its findings upon which a Board of Inquiry will be formed.