SNA deputy urges evacuation from Al-Shabaab areas, says airstrikes to increase

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Deputy Chief of Defence Forces General Abdullahi Hussein Irro has reiterated calls for Somalis living in Al-Shabaab-controlled areas to move noting the military will be carrying out air bombardments.

Speaking to the media, General Irro said the offensives against Al-Shabaab were intensifying and that local residents must move out swiftly to avoid being caught up.

“I am telling those people living in areas where Al-Shabaab is to move out. They (Al-Shabaab) are being targeted from air and sea so move out to avoid trouble.’

The remarks follow the killing of civilians in El-Lahelay area in Galgadud in an airstrike. The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the civilian deaths but said the operation was carried out by Somali forces.

Sources said the strike targeted a vehicle reportedly carrying Al-Shabaab militants.