Garowe Online (Garowe)

Somalia: Bus Carrying Civilians Hit With Mortar - Kills Eight

25 October 2012

Wanlaweyn, Somalia — At least 8 civilians were killed after a bus carrying passengers was hit with a mortar while en route to Wanlaweyn in Lower Shabelle region, Garowe Online reports.

Somali forces backed by AMISOM have been battling Al Shabaab in the district of Leego over the past two days. On Wednesday after fierce battles the allied forces captured the district.

Clashes erupted again on Thursday in Leego approximately 44 kms north Wanlaweyn where a bus of civilians were headed but sadly didn't make their destination after their vehicle was hit with a mortar.

The minibus travelling from Baidoa was carrying close to 20 passengers. At least 8 people were killed and another 12 injured in the blast.

According to witnesses the front of the bus was almost completely destroyed killing women and men.

"The bus' front half was almost obliterated in the blast, 8 people were killed including 2 women," said Ali Yassin.

According to local sources, the injured were taken to Mogadishu 80 KMs from Wanlaweyn.

It is unclear who fired the mortar that killed the civilians however sources close to GO said that military forces in Wanlaweyn denied that they fired the mortar.

Government and African Union officials have not released an official statement about the tragic incident.

Allied forces captured Wanlaweyn 60 KMs from Afgoye earlier this month after Al Shabaab fled the town. Wanalaweyn a strategic town lies on the Afgoye to Baidoa corridor

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  • opiyoj
    Oct 27 2012, 03:48
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