French Troops Attack Alshabaab

[Jacaylbaro]

MOGADISHU, Sept 14 (Reuters) - Foreign troops believed to be French commandos in helicopters killed at least two people in an attack on a car in southern Somalia on Monday, witnesses said.

 

Residents said the incident took place near Roobow village in Barawe District, some 250 km (155 miles) south of the capital Mogadishu, and said a senior rebel leader might among the dead.

 

Local man Bashir Abdi told Reuters soldiers aboard two helicopters opened fire on a car passing near their village.

 

"The troops appeared to have French flags on the shoulders of their uniforms," Abdi said by telephone from the scene. He said two people were killed and others taken by the soldiers.

 

Another witness, Abdulkadir Muse, said al Shabaab insurgents exchanged fire with the commandos. Muse said all four people in the car were killed and their bodies taken by the foreigners.

 

He said the four people riding in the car were not thought to have been Somalis, but could provide no proof.

 

Western security agencies say the lawless Horn of Africa nation has become a safe haven for militants including foreign jihadists who use it to plot attacks in the region and beyond.

 

French forces have launched commando raids in Somalia in the past to rescue French nationals held by rebels and pirates.

 

Last month, one of two French security advisers kidnapped by Somali insurgents in July managed to escape from his captors and fled to the presidential palace in Mogadishu.