Raso drone strike killed senior Al-Shabaab leaders, foreign fighters involved- local authorities

At least five Al-Shabaab commanders among them foreigners were killed in last week’s US drone strike in Raso camp Central Somalia, authorities in the region have said.

Buluburde mayor in Hiiraan region, Osman Gedi Elmi told Goobjoog News a number of the fighters were foreigners (light skinned) and that senior commanders of the group were killed.

Elmi added the casualties figures could be higher than what the US officials reported on Monday.

Pentagon Tuesday said about 150 Al-Shabaab fighters were killed in Saturday strike.

The mayor said locals reported drones flying around the area before disappearing towards the Indian Ocean and later made a comeback to launch the strikes.

Meanwhile a district commissioner in the region, Abdulaziz Durow told the local media the Raso camp was hosting senior Al-Shabaab leaders who were planning new attacks alongside Al-Shabaab recruits against Amisom and Somalia army.

“The leaders were drawn from Al-Shabaab units in Gedo, Lower Shabelle, Middle Jubba, and Hiiraan. Most of them were killed in the airstrike,” said Durow.

The US has not disclosed further information about the casualties. Another strike by unidentified gunship helicopters Wednesday hit Al-Shabaab base in southern Somalia killing about 11 Al-Shabaab fighters.