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Somali PM, UN condemn terror attack on military base

Xinhua, September 2, 2015 Adjust font size:

A senior UN official and Somali Prime Minister strongly condemned Tuesday's terrorist attack on Africa Union military base manned by Ugandan soldiers in Janaale, Lower Shabelle by Al-Shabaab militants.

In separate statements, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia (SRSG) Nicholas Kay sent his deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones and to the people and governments of Uganda and Somalia.

"These courageous peacekeepers sacrificed their lives in the ongoing efforts to bring lasting peace and security to Somalia," Kay said. The UN official said the world body remains determined in its support for the Somali people.

According to AMISOM, the militants used a car loaded with explosives to trigger the attack and to facilitate their forced entry into the camp after which they engaged soldiers in a gun-battle.

The AMISOM, however, said its soldiers regained full control of the base. Kay underlined UN's solidarity with AMISOM and Somali security forces in their efforts to defeat Al-Shabaab.

In his statement, Somali Prime Minister Sharmarke termed the attack which has reportedly left over 20 soldiers dead as coward act.

"We condemn the barbaric attack by those who oppose peace and stability on AMISOM peacekeepers of Uganda contingent and I sent my sincere condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in that attack. I also share my sorrow with the people and government of Uganda," Sharmarke said.

He praised the bravery of the AMISOM troops who repelled the attack of the terrorist group to the full extend they wanted.

"We are determined to pursue our primary goal which is to wipe out the remaining small terrorist group who are geared to killing and maiming innocent people from the little pockets they are in the country," Sharmarke added.

Sources said at least 20 AU soldiers were killed and a similar number reportedly captured alive by the militants during the attack in southern Somalia.

The Islamist militants said they killed 50 soldiers in the attack on the base in Janaale, about 120 kilometers south of the capital Mogadishu. Endit