Civilian Casualties Reported After Shelling Near Jannaale in Lower Shabelle

JANNALE, Somalia (WDN) — A civilian was reportedly killed and four others wounded after artillery shells struck the village of Dag-wariiri, near Jannaale in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, early Wednesday, according to local sources. The sources said the dead was a boy, while those wounded included a woman and three boys.

The reported shelling also damaged a community water well or water tank, a house and a vehicle. Livestock belonging to local residents were also reportedly killed, although the number of animals could not immediately be confirmed.

Ugandan forces serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) operate in parts of Lower Shabelle alongside Somali government forces fighting Al-Shabaab. Local sources attributed the shelling to Ugandan forces, but there has been no independent confirmation that Ugandan troops were responsible.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear. There is no confirmed information about the intended target, why the area was shelled, or whether the bombardment was directed at an identified Al-Shabaab position.