Ilhan Omar calls for protection of Hormuud and Somali Telecom industry

[Deeq A.]

United States of America Congresswoman has asked the federal government of Somalia to continue seeking answers and of possible retribution over detonation of a telecommunication company’s mast.

Ilhan Omar of Minnesota’s 5th District accused Kenya Defense Forces of going beyond limits by destroying infrastructure in the Horn of Africa nation.

Hormuud Telcom on Saturday claimed that KDF had destroyed one of its masts at Gedo region within Jubbaland, arguing that it was the 12th time the troops were detonating a mast.

Further, they said, an attack launched reported by KDF left one of the staff members dead and several others are currently nursing serious injuries.

“For the 12th time this year, KDF has detonated our masts in Aws-Karun at Gedo region of Jubbaland. The attack took place on August 22nd. The troops used powerful machines to destroy the equipment.

“In an earlier attack, the KDF troops killed one of our staff and injured others. These unlawful acts by KDF amount to war crimes and will tarnish the effort of the international community to stabilize Somalia,” the company said in a statement.

The attack was allegedly executed on Thursday during elections in Jubbaland, which saw KDF ally Sheikh Madobe cruising easily to victory. There were claims that KDF had also closed down Kismayo Airport.

But the Congresswoman, who was born in Somalia and had brief spells in Dadaab as a refugee, insists that Kenya should respect investments in Somalia.

Despite the allegations, KDF is yet to issue any official response. However, the troops have been launching attacks against Al-Shabaab militants across Somalia since 2011.

Source: Hivisasa

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