MOGADISHU — U.S. air strikes in Somalia killed two civilians and injured three in February, human rights watchdog Amnesty International said on Wednesday, in a statement that raised questions over U.S. investigations of such allegations. U.S. Africa Command said it was assessing the allegations and goes to great lengths to avoid civilian casualties. U.S. forces have been fighting a decade-long struggle against the al Qaeda-linked militant group al Shabaab. The insurgency wants to overthrow Somalia's shaky, internationally backed government and rule using its own strict interpretation of Islamic law. Africa Command says air strikes are a key weapon against al Shabaab, but Amnesty says they also mistakenly target civilians.

Source: International New York Times April 01, 2020 07:07 UTC