Unknown gunmen kill 7 in southern Somalia

At least six children and their grandmother were killed on Monday night in an area close to Shalan-bood town in Lower Shabelle region in southern Somalia early Tuesday, officials said.

Governor of Lower Shabelle region, Hassan Omar Mo'allim told reporters the brutal killing is believed to have been carried out by unknown gunmen at Jebey village in the region.

"The six children and their grandmother were burned down into their house in Jebey village near Shalan-bood town in lower Shabelle region. They were orphans and they all died in the attack carried out by unknown gunmen," Mo'allim said.

"We believe that the reason behind this awkward action relates to retaliation matters as two clans were fighting in the region recently, this is bad manner which is also new to the region," the governor said.

He added that the incident happened on Monday night when the family was asleep.

There were deadly conflicts between two clans in Marka, the capital of lower Shabelle region despite the presence of AU peacekeeping troops who are fighting with Al-Shababa militant group in the region. Enditem