African peacekeepers kill 11 camels in Somali capital

September 13, 2009 (MOGADISHU) – African Union peacekeeping troops shot deal 11 camels in the Somali capital on Saturday evening when they mistake a herd of camels for an attack by the Islamist insurgents.

The incident occurred when a caravan of camels travelled on the highway near the airport, and not far from the biggest base of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

Reports from the Somali capital say the Au peacekeepers thinking that Al-Shebab insurgents where behind the camels. The indiscriminate shooting wounded other four animals

The owners reported the incident to the Somali officials who discussed the matter with the leadership of the peacekeeping force.

AU peacekeepers agreed after a meeting with camels herders agreed on Sunday to pay a compensation for the killed animals.

The AMISON spokesperson, Barigye Ba-hoku, admitted there was a mistake.

“It was our new forces and they were not aware of the camels’ movements. They say they were attacked, and so opened fire,” he told Reuters.

The Somali insurgents who fight for a strict implementation of Islamic legislation in the country request the government also to expel any foreign troops including the AMISON.

(ST)