Al-Shabab fighters have killed at least 18 civilians and destroyed trucks loaded with food aid in an overnight attack in Somalia’s central region.
The armed group launched the attack in Hiran area in the semi-autonomous state of Hirshabelle in central Somalia.
The trucks were transporting food supplies from Baladweyne town to Mahas town, residents said on Saturday.
“Al-Shabab killed 18 civilians and burned … several trucks of relief food that were going to Mahas city last night,” said Farah Aden, a citizen.
It was reported that al-Shabab fighters set the trucks on fire and “killed most of the people on board the vehicles.”
Aden said armed residents chased the attackers out of the area last week, but the government did not send troops to help prevent their return.
The al-Qaeda-linked group has been fighting Somalia’s central government for more than a decade. It wants to establish its rule based on a strict interpretation of Islamic law.
Last month more than 20 people were killed in an attack in which al-Shabab fighters stormed the Hayat Hotel in Mogadishu.