Somalis Turn In More Weapons
Col. Omar Jess’ fighters turned in more of their weapons Monday in Kismayu, and the U.S. military said it appeared that the militia was disbanding. But fighting claimed still more lives in the streets of the southern port city.
Medicins Sans Frontieres, a French-based aid agency that has an office in Kismayu, reported two people killed and 24 injured in clashes Sunday, when combatants built barricades of burning tires.
The U.S.-led military coalition arrived in December to safeguard aid deliveries in Somalia, where about 350,000 people died last year from war, famine and disease.
Belgian troops took control of the Kismayu district from U.S. forces on Friday.
The American forces have been leaving Kismayu over the past three days but will leave behind one company of infantry and one platoon of military police--fewer than 100 men in all.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
