Galmudug seeks US compensation over Jehdin airstrike

Authorities in central Somalia state of Galmudug have appealed to the US government for compensation over the September airstrike which killed Galmudug forces amid confirmation by US that it killed friendly forces.

The Sept. 28 strike carried out by US drones in Somalia’s Galkayo area killed 10 fighters and wounded three soldiers sparking demonstrations and accusations between Puntland and Galmudug.

Speaking to Goobjoog News, Galmudug reconciliation minister, Osman Mohamed Ali said Galmudug is seeking compensation from the US government over the killing of soldiers in Jehdin military base near Galkaayo town.

“It is good progress and a good step taken to see US government acknowledging the killing of our soldiers in the errant strike but we want US government to give out compensation,” said Ali.

Somalia’s government had asked the United States to explain the strike, which it said had been conducted against forces of the semi-autonomous, northern region of Galmudug.

On Thursday US military said a September U.S. air strike in Somalia killed local militia forces and not Al-Shabaab militants as the Pentagon had initially believed.