Kenyan Amisom Soldier Kills 6 Somali Civilians Near Kismayo
https://nigeriaafrica1.blogspot.com/2012/09/kenyan-amisom-soldier-kills-6-somali.html
Six civilians have been shot dead by a Kenyan soldier advancing towards the al-Shabab stronghold of Kismayo, the Kenyan army has confirmed.
The soldier has been detained pending an investigation, it said, noting the incident followed a militant attack.
Somali army spokesman Adan Mohamed Hirsi earlier told the reporters it had been "a deliberate killing".
Meanwhile, the Hizbul Islam group has announced that it is leaving the al-Shabab militant organisation.
A local reporter said it is a significant setback for al-Shabab, following recent military defeats.
Kenyan troops intervened in Somalia a year ago after a spate of cross-border attacks blamed on the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab.
It was the first time Kenyan troops had been sent abroad, except as peacekeepers.
Sunday's shooting happened about 50km (30 miles) from Kismayo, the largest city still in militant hands.
Mr Hirsi condemned the killings and asked the Somali government to take action.
"This incident is very hurtful," he told the reporters, saying a group of young men were shot outside a shop in the village of Janay Abdalla.
They were reportedly queuing to buy sugar.
In addition to those killed, two civilians were seriously wounded, Mr Hirsi said.
Kenyan military spokesman Col Cyrus Oguna said the incident happened shortly after al-Shabab militants attacked Kenyan soldiers who were escorting people to collect water from a well in the village, killing five civilians and one soldier.
Somali army spokesman Adan Mohamed Hirsi earlier told the reporters it had been "a deliberate killing".
Meanwhile, the Hizbul Islam group has announced that it is leaving the al-Shabab militant organisation.
A local reporter said it is a significant setback for al-Shabab, following recent military defeats.
Kenyan troops intervened in Somalia a year ago after a spate of cross-border attacks blamed on the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab.
It was the first time Kenyan troops had been sent abroad, except as peacekeepers.
Sunday's shooting happened about 50km (30 miles) from Kismayo, the largest city still in militant hands.
Mr Hirsi condemned the killings and asked the Somali government to take action.
"This incident is very hurtful," he told the reporters, saying a group of young men were shot outside a shop in the village of Janay Abdalla.
They were reportedly queuing to buy sugar.
In addition to those killed, two civilians were seriously wounded, Mr Hirsi said.
Kenyan military spokesman Col Cyrus Oguna said the incident happened shortly after al-Shabab militants attacked Kenyan soldiers who were escorting people to collect water from a well in the village, killing five civilians and one soldier.
