UNICEF ‘horrified’ as unexploded ordinance kills 22 children in Somalia

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said it is “horrified” by the killing of 22 children by unexploded ordinance in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region.

The incident, which also killed 5 other adults and injured 53 people, happened on Friday near the village of Qoryoley, located approximately 120 kilometres south of Mogadishu.

“UNICEF is deeply shocked and horrified by reports that at least 22 children were among 27 people killed in an explosion in the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia following the detonation of an unexploded remnant of war in an area where the children were playing,” Ms. Wafaa Saeed, UNICEF Representative in Somalia, said in a statement on Saturday.

Lower Shabelle is among Somalia’s regions that have witnessed massive anti-terror offensives since August last year led by the Somali army.

Following Friday’s incident, activists have called on the government to clear mines and unexploded mortars from liberated areas to ensure the safety of locals.