The Somali government is to investigate claims that recent Kenyan airstrikes have killed civilians. Kenya sent in warplanes following last month’s Al-Shabaab attack on its troops in southern Somalia.
Somali officials also want to verify reports that Kenyan ground forces have withdrawn.
Kenyans are still waiting the official word on how many of its soldiers died last month just over the border, in Gedo. By some accounts, more than 100 were killed, and others captured when Al Shabab over-ran their base at El Adde.
Kenya’s military response has been a series of airstrikes, purportedly on Al Shabab positions. Locals however claim that the main victims have been civilians and livestock.
Somalia’s prime minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmake has now called on Kenya to stop the raids.
He is setting up a task team to visit the area and assess the impact of the air raids, as well as the reported withdrawal of Kenyan forces.
Kenyan troops moved into Somalia in October 2011, joining the African Union force Amisom that is combating Al Shabab.
