Many dead as US strike targets in Somalia

Many people died on Tuesday when a US air strike was launched on a southern Somali village occupied by Islamists.

“I understand there are so many dead bodies and animals in the village,” a senior government source told reporters.

The US Air Force plane, operated by the Special Operations Command, flew from its base in Djibouti to Hayo, located in the southern tip of Somalia between Afmadow and Doble.

The US Air Force plane, operated by the Special Operations Command, flew from its base in Djibouti to Hayo, located in the southern tip of Somalia between Afmadow and Doble.

Ethiopian and Somali troops chased the Islamists’ last remnants to this area after ending their six-month rule of Mogadishu and most of southern Somalia in a two-week assault which began on the 28 December.

The village is thought to have housed the members of Al Qaida responsible for operations in East Africa, in particular the 1998 bombings of US embassies in Nairobi, and Dar es Salaam.

Al Qaida militants killed 224 people and injured thousands in the embassy attacks. The materials they used were smuggled through Somalia.

Al Qaida militants killed 224 people and injured thousands in the embassy attacks. The materials they used were smuggled through Somalia.

As yet there has been no official confirmation from the Pentagon that the air strike took place, although a statement is expected within hours.

The US Air Force plane, operated by the Special Operations Command, flew from its base in Djibouti to Hayo, located in the southern tip of Somalia between Afmadow and Doble.

The US Air Force plane, operated by the Special Operations Command, flew from its base in Djibouti to Hayo, located in the southern tip of Somalia between Afmadow and Doble. Al Qaida militants killed 224 people and injured thousands in the embassy attacks. The materials they used were smuggled through Somalia.

Agencies