Unconfirmed reports of deaths of two Cuban doctors kidnapped in Kenya

The Cuban Foreign Ministry reported Saturday that there is no confirmation of the alleged death in a bombing of the two Cuban doctors Assel Herrera Correa and Landy Rodríguez Hernández kidnapped in Kenya in 2019, which was reported by the terrorist group Al Shabab.

The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Minrex) clarified today that there is NO confirmation of the reports on the alleged death of the Cuban doctors , kidnapped in Kenya in 2019.  

"So far, these reports have not been confirmed. In this regard, the Cuban authorities are in constant communication with their Kenyan and Somali counterparts, and our people will be immediately informed," the foreign ministry added.

According to a statement released on Telegram by the group, the incident reportedly occurred in Somalia during a US drone strike in the town of Jilib, Lower Juba region.

No official source in Somalia has confirmed the news.

When they were kidnapped in 2019, Cuban doctors Assel Herrera, a specialist in General Medicine, and surgeon Landy Rodriguez were part of the medical mission that provided services in rural areas in the Kenyan city of Mandera (northeast), a place located on the border with Somalia and a target of attacks by the jihadist group Al Shabab.Kenya .

Since then, Cuba has taken steps for the return of the doctors, as well as meetings between Cuban, Kenyan and Somali authorities, in addition to maintaining contact with their families.

Despite efforts to secure their release, the attempts have been unsuccessful.