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US drone attack in southwestern Somalia kills 35

16 June 2012 20:27 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. At least 35 people have been killed in the latest attacks by US assassination drones in Somaliaâ€™s southwestern region of Gedo, APA reports quoting Press TV.

Local witnesses said the Saturday attacks near Gedoâ€™s Garbaherey town targeted two al-Shabab bases.

Officials say nine al-Shabab seniors were killed, while dozens of innocent people were also wounded in the airstrikes.

The US military uses remote-controlled drones in Somalia for reconnaissance operations and targeted killings.

Washington has been carrying out assassination attacks using the unmanned aircraft in other countries including Afghanistan, Libya, Pakistan, and Yemen.

The United States claims the CIA-run strikes are aimed at militants. But witness reports and figures offered by local authorities indicate the attacks have led to massive civilian deaths in these countries.

The UN has condemned the US assassination drone strikes, saying they pose a challenge to international law.