US African Command (AFRICOM) is promising an investigation after an airstrike against a minibus full of people was reported by locals, including a Somali MP, of having killed six civilians.



The US had reported on the strike on Tuesday, saying they destroyed the minibus and killed “five terrorists.” As is so common with US killings, they did not name any of the victims.



MP Mahad Dhoore confirmed everyone inside was civilian. One of the family members of the victims noted that the slain included his 70-year-old father, who cannot walk without a walking stick, and a 13-year-old boy.



AFRICOM confirmed that the killings “are a key effort to combating terror and helping to bring stability and security to Somalia.” The MP warned al-Shabaab would use these killings as a recruitment tool.





Author: Jason Ditz Jason Ditz is news editor of Antiwar.com. View all posts by Jason Ditz