Africa Command News Archive | AFRICOM Or USAFRICOM Alerts

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June 30, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on June 21st that the BRICS countries, which include Russia, China, Brazil, and South Africa (Iran and Argentina have applied but not yet accepted) are currently working on setting up a global reserve currency to cut their financial reliance on the West. Read more

June 25, 2022 - List of travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State from June 1st, 2022 to June 24th, 2022. KEY: Level 1: Normal Precautions | Level 2: Increased Caution | Level 3: Reconsider Travel | Level 4: Do Not Travel. For a clickable list visit the OSLINT Advisories post. Read more

June 20, 2022 - Over 200 people have been killed in Oromia, Ethiopia, according to witnesses. Most of those killed were ethnic Amhara, a Semitic-speaking ethnic group that is indigenous to Ethiopia. Read more

June 8, 2022 - The World Bank put out a statement saying that less developed countries in the world face a major recession as a result of the war in Ukraine, as well as the consequences of the COVID-19 lockdowns as the cost of energy and food continue to rise globally. Read more

June 6, 2022 - Over 50 Catholic worshipers were killed after gunmen attacked St. Francis Catholic Church in Nigeria during church service. Although most were killed by gunfire, some were killed by explosions as the gunmen detonated explosives on the church compound. Read more

May 16, 2022 - The United States is deploying up to 500 soldiers to Somalia, Africa in order to establish "persistent presence" there in order to combat the increasing terrorist activity in the country by a branch of Al Qaeda called Al-Shabaab. Read more

May 14, 2022 - ISIS fighters in Nigeria have murdered 20 Christians in retaliation for the deaths of several of the group's leaders that occurred in the Middle East. Read more

April 2, 2022 - Over 200 Islamist militants have been killed by a state military operation in Mali, Africa in late March involving both land and air forces. Read more

February 7, 2022 - A cyclone that occurred in Madagascar has killed at least 10 people, destroyed homes and cut power as it hit the eastern coast of the country with wind speeds of over 100 miles per hour. Read more

January 29, 2022 - At least 14 people have been killed in Mogadishu, Somalia Africa, most of which were civilians after a dispute between soldiers happened in response to stolen food sacks Read more

January 28, 2022 - The U.S. State Department has put out a security alert stating that the curfew in Burkina Faso, West Africa has been updated: From 12:00 am to 4:00 am. Read more

January 27, 2022 - The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has put out an alert for Kenya stating that there are 'serious threats against Westerners in Kenya' and a real risk of being targeted in public places frequented by foreign nationals. Read more

January 27, 2022 - After the coup in Burkina Faso many people celebrated the takeover and said that they want a partnership with Russia saying "Long live Russia!" and have said "No! to France". Read more

January 27, 2022 - Ethiopia has lifted its state of emergency due to a diminishing security threat according to the office of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Read more

January 24, 2022 - There has been another coup in Burkina Faso, Africa. The army has ousted President Roch Kabore. Read more

January 23, 2022 - 130 soldiers from the Maine Army National Guard have returned home from their 10 month deployment to Africa. Read more

January 23, 2022 - A top military official says that the Ethiopian army plans to enter Mekelle, the capital of Tigray and 'eliminate' rebellious forces Read more

January 23, 2022 - Internet in Burkina Faso has been severely disrupted according to Netblocks after soldiers opened fire on military bases and the country imposed curfew. Read more

January 21, 2022 - A large blast in Bogoso, Ghana has reportedly left 17 dead and 59 wounded. Read more

January 17, 2022 - Sudanese security forces have opened fire on protesters in Sudan, Africa who were protesting the military coup, firing on them with live rounds killing at least seven people and wounding around 100. Read more

January 11, 2022 - An airstrike in Tigray, Ethiopia in the town of Mai Tsebri has killed 17 people and wounded dozens of others. Read more

December 27, 2021 - Somalian president, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed put out a statement on Monday that he has suspended the powers of Prime Minister Mohammed Hussein Roble pending an investigation for corruption. Read more

December 25, 2021 - A suicide bomber has killed at least 6 people and injured at least 13 as they were celebrating Christmas in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday in the city of Beni. Read more

November 29, 2021 - US State Department is urging all U.S. citizens to evacuate Ethiopia due to the ongoing conflict there saying that it will not be able to evacuate them if the situation worsens and nears the capital. The US estimates about 30,000 to 40,000 US citizens. Read more

November 22, 2021 - Armed CODECO rebels raided Drodro village in D.R. Congo and killed at least 12 people, including six children, four men and two women. Local reports said that more had been killed in the attack than was reported. Read more

October 25, 2021 - Coup D'etat currently happening in Sudan. Several of Hamdok's ministers have been arrested and reports say that the house of Hamdok has been surrounded by the army. Read more

September 29, 2021 - The Nigerian air force has fired upon and killed dozens of civilians at a village in Northeast Nigeria. Read more

September 2, 2021 - In eastern Congo 20 people were kidnapped by rebels on Wednesday after the rebels ambushed a civilian convoy that was stalled, killing 5 people in the process. Read more

August 25, 2021 - AFRICOM: U.S. Africa Command has conducted a joint airstrike against al-Qaeda affiliated Al-Shabaab group in the vicinity of Amara town in Galmudug region amid intensified operations to weed out the the militants in the region. Read more

August 25, 2021 - Algeria has cut ties with Morocco saying that the reason is due to 'hostile actions' and says that Morocco is waging an all out 'media war' against Algeria. Read more

August 4, 2021 - The US carried out its third strike on Somalia in two weeks on August 1st in support of Somali government forces around Qeycad according to US Military. Read more

July 23, 2021 - The US military has carried out the second airstrike in Somalia, Africa this week against al-Shabaab terrorists, which are reported to have ties to Al Qaeda. Read more

July 21, 2021 - The Pentagon announced on Tuesday that The U.S. military carried out airstrikes in Somalia, Africa against al-Shabaab terrorists, which have ties to Al Qaeda. U.S. troops were not located in Somalia at the time of the airstrike. Read more

July 13, 2021 - More than 70 people have been killed in South Africa after unrest due to the jailing of the former president Jacob Zuma. Read more

June 25, 2021: At least 64 people were killed and nearly 200 wounded on Tuesday due to an airstrike on a busy Ethiopian market in Tigray. Read more

April 26, 2021: Gunfire Erupted In The Capital Of Somalia Sunday Between Government Soldiers & Those Who Are Not Happy With The President Mohamed Abdullahi Who Was Granted Two More Years Of Power By The Lower House Of Parliament. This Has Left Citizens Angry And Declaring That They Don't Want A Dictatorship That Remains In Power Indefinitely. Read more

U.S. Deploying Up To 500 Soldiers To Somalia To Establish 'Persistent Presence' - The United States is deploying up to 500 soldiers to Somalia, Africa in order to establish "persistent presence" there in order to combat the increasing terrorist activity in the country by a branch of Al Qaeda called Al-Shabaab.

A senior administration official said that "Fewer than 500" U.S. soldiers that are currently already stationed in nearby countries will be transported to Somalia over time as conditions allow for intelligent and secure implementation.

The official said that Al-Shabaab is now a notable priority for the U.S. counterterrorism mission and has become Al Qaeda's "largest and wealthiest global affiliate". They said the group has also "ability and intent to target Americans in the region".

On Monday Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby spoke to reporters and said that a permanent presence is the best option in order to counter the persistent threat from Al-Shabaab as it eliminates the training disruption and time expended on "constant coming and going".

Kirby also said that this is "not a deployment with an end date" and said that it is instead just a "change of posture" and that "It will allow us to do a better, more consistent job".

ISIS Retaliates For Deaths Of Leaders By Murdering 20 Nigerian Christians - ISIS fighters in Nigeria have murdered 20 Christians in retaliation for the deaths of several of the group's leaders that occurred in the Middle East.

The murders of the Nigerian Christians were carried out by masked Daesh militants carrying knives and guns as they stood behind the Christians who were kneeling on the ground.

200 Militants Killed By Local Military Operation In Mali, Africa - Over 200 Islamist militants have been killed by a state military operation in Mali, Africa in late March involving both land and air forces.

A statement put out by the military said, "This operation follows very precise information that made it possible to locate the holding of a meeting between various (militants) in Moura".

Cyclone Kills At Least 10 People In Madagascar - A cyclone that occurred in Madagascar has killed at least 10 people, destroyed homes and cut power as it hit the eastern coast of the country with wind speeds of over 100 miles per hour.

Cyclone Batsirai is the second cyclone to hit the Indian Ocean in the last couple of weeks. The torrential rains that the two cyclones brought has caused floods which eroded buildings until they collapsed and cut power officials stated on Sunday.

The town of Nosy Varika was hit the worst, with 95% of its buildings completely destroyed "as if we had just been bombed" reported the Jerusalem Post who quoted a Madagascar official.

The other cyclone that hit within the last few weeks was named 'Ana' which killed 55 people and displaced 130,000 others.

Rueters reported that Nirina Rahaingosoea who is a resident of Fianarantsoa which is 420 kilometers from the capital said "We saw only desolation: uprooted trees, fallen electric poles, roofs torn off by the wind, the city completely under water".

Willy Raharijaona who is a technical adviser to the vice president of Madagascar's Senate stated "It's as if we had just been bombed. The city of Nosy Varika is almost 95% destroyed. The solid houses saw their roofs torn off by the wind. The wooden huts have for the most part been destroyed".

At Least 14 People Killed In Somalia, Africa Due To Clashes Over Food Aid - At least 14 people have been killed in Mogadishu, Somalia Africa, most of which were civilians after a dispute between soldiers happened in response to stolen food sacks.

The fighting between the soldiers started after some of the soldiers attempted to steal food sacks that were meant for displaced people. Upon noticing the theft, other soldiers that were guarding the food stopped them according to Colonial Isaq Hassan.

20 or more people were injured during the fighting, some of which were placed in critical condition, Mohamed Ahmed, a nurse working at the Baido'a hospital told the Associated Press.

There is currently a severe drought in the region and according to AP news "Tens of thousands of people have been fleeing to Baidoa and other Somali cities in search of food and support".

U.S. State Department: Burkina Faso, Africa Curfew Updated - The U.S. State Department has put out a security alert stating that the curfew in Burkina Faso, West Africa has been updated: From 12:00 am to 4:00 am.

The State Department advises Americans in the region to 'follow the curfew' and monitor all methods of communication as well as contacting the embassy if you have an emergency.

French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Puts Out Alert For Kenya - The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has put out an alert for Kenya, Africa stating that there are 'serious threats against Westerners in Kenya' and a real risk of being targeted in public places frequented by foreign nationals.

The Ministry stated that conflicts related to land issues and drought have increased in Kenya over the last few months 'north of a line linking kitale to Garissa.

"The conflicts have resulted in casualties among the local population, as well as the evacuation of some tourist areas" the statement said and also stated that "The counties of Samburu, Isiolo, Laikipia, Meru and Baringo are among those affected".

"Travelers planning to visit these counties are advised to check with their tour operator or accommodation beforehand".

"Particular vigilance should be exercised in the current context for any travel to the west of Laikipia County, in the areas of Rumuruti Town, Kinamba, and Ol Moran".

"Travel north of the Kitale/Archers' Post/Garissa line is not recommended unless there is a compelling reason to do so".

"There is a real risk targeting public places frequented by foreign nationals (restaurants, hotels, places of leisure, shopping malls...), especially in Nairobi" the notice stated.

The notice said that people in Kenya are advised to be 'extremely vigilant' and to avoid frequenting these places in the coming days, including on the weekend.

Burkina Faso: We Want Russia's Help - After the coup in Burkina Faso many people celebrated the takeover and said that they want a partnership with Russia saying "Long live Russia!" and have said "No! to France".

The president, who was elected democratically has been arrested and detained by mutinying soldiers who have taken power in the country. Supporters of the coup are now wanting to forge and reshape the country's alliances, particularly with Russia.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs twitter account however put out a statement on January 27th saying, "Zaitsev: We are following the developments in BurkinaFaso, where the head of state was overthrown in a military coup on Jan 24. We call for the immediate release of Burkina Faso President Roch Kabore, as well as for civilian rule to be restored in the country without delay".

Ethiopia Lifts State Of Emergency Due To Diminishing Security Threat - Ethiopia has lifted its state of emergency due to a diminishing security threat according to the office of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Ethiopian council members lifted the state of emergency on the country on Wednesday with a statement saying "The situation that led to the declaration of an emergency has changed, and the threat is now at a level that can be countered by formal law enforcement action, so it became necessary to shorten the state of emergency".

The state of emergency had been declared in November and was originally going to be in effect for six months time as fighting between the country's federal army and Tigray People's Liberation Front continued.

Army Deposes President During Coup In Burkina Faso, Africa - There has been another coup in Burkina Faso, Africa. The army has ousted President Roch Kabore.

After the military took control of Burkina Faso, they suspended the constitution, dissolved the government as well as the national assembly and closed the country's borders off.

The announcement was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba and read by a different officer over state television.

The announcement stated that there had been no violence during the coup and it happened without violence. It also said that those that were deteained were in a secure location.

The U.S. State Department said that they are aware of reports that Kabore has been detained by the military and has called for his release.

The State Department also said that it's 'too soon' to officially characterize developments happening in Burkina Faso.

Corinne Dufka who is the West African director at Human Rights Watch stated that Kabore's government had shown that it was unable to tackle a wide range of problems.

"The coup, and apparent support for it, lays bare the inadequacies of Kabore's government to address deep-seated problems with corruption, governance and civilian protection, which were all made exponentially worse by the armed Islamist threat" she stated.

Maine National Guard Returns Home From 10 Month Africa Deployment - 130 soldiers from the Maine Army National Guard have returned home from their 10 month deployment to Africa.

The soldiers were greeted by Senior leaders on Saturday on the flight line before marching in to music performed by the 195th Maine Army National Guard Band where their family members waited according to WABI-TV.

The soldiers included Bravo Company, 172nd Infantry Regiment and 3rd Battalion according to the Facebook page for the Maine National Guard.

In Africa the soldiers were deployed to provide security and enhance partnerships.

Ethiopian Army Plans To 'Eliminate' Forces In Tigray - A top military official says that the Ethiopian army plans to enter Mekelle, the capital of Tigray and 'eliminate' rebellious forces according to Reuters.

Diplomats from the United States flew to Addis Ababa in order to try to push for a ceasefire in the region and calm relations between Tigray and Ethiopia along with releasing political prisoners.

During an interview with state run media, Fana broadcast on Friday Ethiopian defense forces (EDF) deputy army chief General Abebaw Tadesse stated that Ethiopia would not be at peace until the Tigray People's Liberation From (TPLF) was eliminated.

"Tigray is part of Ethiopia and no force will stop us from entering. We will enter and we will eliminate the enemy. There shouldn't be any confusion about this" Tadesse stated.

"The people of Ethiopia shouldn't think that it is over, it is not over. The main thing here is we have stopped because we have to prepare ourselves. This enemy is still there, and it has to be absolutely eliminated. We will not negotiate with them" he added.

Internet Severely Disrupted As Burkina Faso Imposes Curfew After Soldiers Opened Fire On Military Bases - Internet in Burkina Faso has been severely disrupted according to Netblocks after soldiers opened fire on military bases and the country imposed curfew.

The government has imposed an overnight curfew after the day of unrest where it opened fire on military bases across the country early Sunday.

The curfew begins at 8 p.m. local time and ends at 5:30 a.m. according to a government statement put out on state broadcaster Radiodiffusion Television du Birkina.

The motive for the soldiers opening fire on the army barracks is still not clear, however earlier in the month a dozen soldiers were arrested on the suspicion that they were plotting a coup.

The Defense Minister General Bathelemy Simpore has denied rumors that President Roch Marc Kabore had been arrested, and denies rumors of a coup happening after soldiers opened fire on several army barracks.

Large Explosion In Ghana, Africa Leaves 17 Dead And Wounds 59 - A large blast in Bogoso, Ghana has reportedly left 17 dead and 59 wounded. 500 buildings were also destroyed in the blast.

A vehicle that was transporting mining explosives collided with a motorcycle near the town of Bogoso, causing the explosion and creating a large crater beside the road.

A team of police and army experts were deployed to the scene to 'avoid a second explosion' and secure the scene according to the government.

Sudanese Forces Open Fire On Protesters Killing At Least 7 People - Sudanese security forces have opened fire on protesters in Sudan, Africa who were protesting the military coup, firing on them with live rounds killing at least seven people and wounding around 100.

The killings mark one of the deadliest days since the military coup took place in October of last year when the military took over.

The death's on Monday bring the total number of people killed in the almost daily protests to at least 71 people.

The United Nations has condemned the 'use of lethal force against the demonstrators' in a statement by U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric on Monday.

Airstrike In Ethiopia Kills 17, Mostly Women - An airstrike in Tigray, Ethiopia in the town of Mai Tsebri has killed 17 people and wounded dozens of others. Most of the dead were women according to aid workers serving in the area.

The airstrike comes as fighting between federal forces and rebels in Tigray continue in the region.

President Of Somalia Suspends Prime Minister Pending Corruption Investigation - Somalian president, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed put out a statement on Monday that he has suspended the powers of Prime Minister Mohammed Hussein Roble pending an investigation for corruption.

The Prime Minister said that the action was taken due to an investigation of accusations that the Prime Minister had fraudulently acquired land.

This is not the first time the President has suspended the Prime Minister in an ongoing dispute between the two which has caused months of tension in the government.

Just days before the announcement of the suspension the two had accused one another of holding up parliamentary elections.

Suicide Bomber Kills At Least 6 In DR Congo - A suicide bomber has killed at least 6 people and injured at least 13 as they were celebrating Christmas in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday in the city of Beni.

Military officials in the province of North Kivu put out a statement saying "The suicide bomber, prevented by security from gaining access to the bar, packed with clients, activated the bomb at the entrance".

According to the statement the attack was blamed on the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), the most prominent militia currently active in the region.

A source at the City Hall told AFP news that two children were killed in the blast, as well as two local officials.

Around 30 people were at the location where the bomb went off celebrating Christmas, two witnesses told AFP news.

US State Department Urging All U.S. Citizens To Evacuate Ethiopia - US State Department is urging all U.S. citizens to evacuate Ethiopia due to the ongoing conflict there saying that it will not be able to evacuate them if the situation worsens and nears the capital. The US estimates about 30,000 to 40,000 US citizens.

CODECO Rebels Raid Drodro Village In D.R. Congo Killing 12 - Armed CODECO rebels raided Drodro village in D.R. Congo and killed at least 12 people, including six children, four men and two women. Local reports said that more had been killed in the attack than was reported.

Coup D'etat Currently Happening In Sudan - Coup D'etat currently happening in Sudan. Several of Hamdok's ministers have been arrested and reports say that the house of Hamdok has been surrounded by the army.

A fish market in the village of Daban Masara were bombed by two planes on Sunday according to Husaini, a man who spoke to Reuters as long as only his first name was mentioned. The Nigerian army has been involved in a war against Islamic insurgencies in the country for 12 years.

Nigerian Air Force Fires Upon And Kills Dozens Of Civilians - The Nigerian air force has fired upon and killed dozens of civilians at a village in Northeast Nigeria.

A fish market in the village of Daban Masara were bombed by two planes on Sunday according to Husaini, a man who spoke to Reuters as long as only his first name was mentioned. The Nigerian army has been involved in a war against Islamic insurgencies in the country for 12 years.

"At least 50 people were killed instantly... including my friend who got married just three weeks ago" stated Husaini.

Rebels Kidnap 20 People In East Congo After Ambushing A Convoy - In eastern Congo 20 people were kidnapped by rebels on Wednesday after the rebels ambushed a civilian convoy that was stalled, killing 5 people in the process.

The rebels took dozens of hostages, with 20 people found to be still missing some hours later. The attack happened when the convey stopped for repairs on one of its vehicles according to Captain Jules Ngongo who spoke to AP news.

At first 80 people were kidnapped but the army was able to rescue 60 of the people who were captured according to Ngongo. "We call on people to remain calm and to trust their army because it is difficult to fight the terrorists, but we will fight for peace to return as soon as possible".

AFRICOM: US Africa Command Conducts Joint Strike Against Al-Shabaab group in Town Of Amara - AFRICOM: U.S. Africa Command has conducted a joint airstrike against al-Qaeda affiliated Al-Shabaab group in the vicinity of Amara town in Galmudug region amid intensified operations to weed out the the militants in the region.

Algeria Cuts Ties With Morocco And Cites 'Hostile Actions' As The Reason - Algeria has cut ties with Morocco saying that the reason is due to 'hostile actions' and says that Morocco is waging an all out 'media war' against Algeria.

Algeria's Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra read a statement from the President at a news conference saying, "Algeria has decided to break diplomatic relations with Morocco starting today".

The Foreign Minister of Algeria also said that Morocco is a military base in which to launch attacks on Algeria. Among the reasons cited for the ties being cut is Israel's alleged use of Pegasus spyware on Algerians, as well as Morocco hosting Yair Lapid, Israel's Alternate Prime Minister, who criticized Algeria during his visit in Morocco.

DR Congo Accepts Help Of US Special Forces Against ADF, Group Linked To ISIS - The president of DR Congo, Felix Tshisekedi has accepted help from US special forces to aid the Congolese army fight against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which is a group that is linked to ISIS terrorists.

The United States has declared the ADF a terrorist group and is seen as the most deadly armed militia group in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). According to the country's Catholic Church , the ADF has murdered around 6,000 civilians since 2013.

The U.S. mission in DR Congo will last a couple of weeks and will aid the Congolese army in fighting the ADF in the Virunga and Garamba national parks. The presidential administration of DR Congo put out a statement saying, "President Felix Tshisekedi authorised the deployment of American anti-terrorism experts in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo".

The US State Department put out a statement in March saying that the ADF is known all over the region for its "brutal violence against Congolese citizens and regional military forces".

US Carries Out Third Strike In Somalia In Two Weeks On Sunday - The US carried out its third strike on Somalia in two weeks on August 1st in support of Somali government forces around Qeycad according to US Military.

The strike happened in the location where forces trained by the US Military were combating al-Shabab militants. It is not known where there were militants killed or injured.

The Information Ministry of Somalia stated, "This is another major blow to al-Shabab’s means to wage war against the Somali people. The airstrikes destroyed a large al-Shabab firing position engaging Danab and SNA (Somali Army) forces as they approached".

US Military Carries Out Second Airstrike In Somalia, Africa This Week - The US military has carried out the second airstrike in Somalia, Africa this week against al-Shabaab terrorists, which are reported to have ties to Al Qaeda.

The airstrike, which happened just three days after the previous strike took place in Galmudug, Somalia. The Pentagon says no U.S. forces were accompanying Somali troops during the airstrike.

The Pentagon put out a statement saying, "U.S. forces are authorized to conduct strikes in support of combatant commander designated partner forces under collective self-defense".

US Military Carries Out Airstrikes In Somalia, Africa - The Pentagon announced on Tuesday that The U.S. military carried out airstrikes in Somalia, Africa against al-Shabaab terrorists, which have ties to Al Qaeda. U.S. troops were not located in Somalia at the time of the airstrike. Read more

More Than 70 Dead In South Africa In Unrest Due To Imprisonment Of Former President - More than 70 people have been killed in South Africa after unrest due to the jailing of the former president Jacob zuma. Over 1,300 people have been arrested in total with many people taking the opportunity to loot televisions, microwaves and clothing.

Thousands of soldiers took to the streets after the local police force struggled to handle the situation alone. Police minister Bheki Cele stated, "We are confident our law enforcement agencies are able to do their job successfully. The current situation on the ground is under strong surveillance and we will ensure it will not deteriorate further".

At Least 64 Killed In Africa From Airstrike On Ethiopian Market In Tigray - At least 64 people were killed and nearly 200 wounded on Tuesday due to an airstrike on a busy Ethiopian market in Tigray.

A spokesperson for the Ethiopian army said that the military carried out the airstrike on Togoga but was intended to target rebel fighters.

Col Getnet Adane told AFP that those who were killed and injured were rebel fighters dressed as civilians to avoid being targeted. He said, "We do not accept that this operation targeted civilians. The Ethiopian air force uses the latest technology, so it conducted a precision strike that was successful".

The fact that children as young as two years old were among the casualties tells a different story however as they could not have possibly been rebel fighters.