Authorities in Somalia’s Southwest state have said Al-shabaab militants killed seven people from one family in southern Somalia.
Justice Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama told the local media that al-Shabaab fighters struck a remote village in Wajid district in the Bakool region, killing a father, a mother and their five children.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the Somali family for the loss of their lives to Al Shabaab in Wajid District late Tuesday night,” Jama said. “Killing a pregnant mother and children is only possible from the unscrupulous Al Shabaab. I wish the family, relatives and all the people of Wajid patience and faith.”
According to the minister, it was not until Wednesday that authorities could reach the remote area and confirm the attack.
Asked what motivated the attack, the minister said the militants massacred the family just because the father was a federal soldier.
Al-shabaab has not officially claimed the attack but the group usually targets government soldiers.
Somali forces have intensified their operations against al-shabaab fighters in southern Somalia ahead of the country’s elections later this year.
Despite losing large swath territories, the group still is capable of conducting attacks in towns.
