Mogadishu, Dec 26 (IANS) Three African Union (AU) soldiers and one civilian contractor were killed Thursday when terrorists attacked the base of the AU peacekeeping force known as AMISOM in Mogadishu, an AMISOM statement confirmed Friday.
Terrorists dressed in Somali National Army (SNA) uniforms broke though the base camp around lunch time and tried to gain access to critical infrastructure, during which five of them were killed and three others were captured.
“AMISOM has regained control of the Halane base camp and restored normalcy. All African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN) personnel in the base camp are safe and secure,” Xinhua quoted the statement as saying.
The Special Representative of the AU Commission Chairperson (SRCC) for Somalia and head of AMISOM, Maman S. Sidikou, has applauded the quick response and bravery of the AMISOM troops in frustrating the attack.
Sidikou commiserated with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, noting that their sacrifices would be etched in Somali history.
He also emphasised that the goal to rid Somalia of terrorists would continue to be pursued relentlessly and that attacks such as these only reinforce the determination of the Somali government as well as the peace loving people of Somalia, with the support of the international community.
Al Shabaab spokesman Abdulaziz Abu Musab confirmed the attack, saying its fighters have entered the base by force and carried out attacks.
The Somali government condemned the terrorist attack.
“We strongly condemn the terrorist attack on AMISOM base in Mogadishu and encourage AMISOM to continue their support to Somali government and its people,” said Ridwan Haji, spokesman for the Somali government.
Halane base, which is part of Adan Ade International Airport in Somalia’s capital, hosts the UN’s local headquarters, AMISOM’s main command centre and several Western embassies.
The Al Shabaab militant group has carried out hit-and-run attacks targeting government installations and AMISOM peacekeeping troops since it was pushed out of the capital Mogadishu and several key strategic towns in south and central Somalia.
