Hiiraan Online
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Kismayo, Somalia (HOL) - Eye witnesses in the port city of Kismayo in southern Somalia report seeing unknown low flying planes in the last 24 hours. No one knows to whom the planes belong to or why they are flying over the city and its seas.
Kismayo is the third largest city of Somalia with a big sea port and other important facilities that make it very strategic. It is currently controlled by the Islamist groups of Al-Shabaab and Hisbul Islam. The former has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States.
Residents in the city are understandably worried about the planes which many think are reconnaissance planes while others think they are fighter jets. Many of the residents are frightened by the loud noise the planes make when they fly very low.
There is no news on the part of Islamist groups that control the city with regards to the planes. It is notable, however, that this is not the first time unknown low flying planes are seen over the cities in Somalia. Moreover, many of the world’s most powerful navies have deployed warship on Somalia seas in the name of fighting piracy. It is speculated that these planes might be flying from some of those ships.