EU says terrorists won't deter efforts to stabilize Somalia

The European Union Monday condemned the Friday attack on Africa Union base in southern Somalia by Al-Shabaab, saying such attacks will not prevent the world with its efforts to stabilize the Horn of Africa nation.

In a statement issued in Nairobi, the EU said it will continue working with the Somali authorities, the African Union and other partners to enhance stability and Somalia's capacity to fight terrorism.

"Friday's lethal attack by Al-Shabaab against an African Union base in southern Somalia is another attempt to undermine a political process towards a stable and secure Somalia and a population desiring a life in peace," the EU said.

The EU expressed its condolences to the victims and their families in Somalia and in Kenya who were killed, captured or injured during the attack on Friday.

The EU said it's a staunch supporter of AMISOM and the Somali security forces who provide the necessary security for any of the key political processes to be sustainably achieved in Somalia.

"Acts of terrorism will not deter our efforts. The EU will continue working with the Somali authorities, the AU and other partners to enhance stability and Somalia's capacity to fight terrorism," the EU said.

The statement comes as Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops are shelling El-Adde with bombs hitting centers of the town. Residents could see smoke billowing from the military base which was attacked by the militants on Friday.

Sources said Al-Shabaab withdrew its militants from El-Adde overnight and the town is almost empty.

Both the Somali National Army and KDF serving under AU mission in Somalia are carrying out an operation in and outside El-Adde in Gedo region.

Colonel Abbas Ibrahim, Somali National Army Commander in Gedo region said the forces are hunting Al-Shabaab militants and called on residents who had fled the town to return to their homes.

"We are in El-Adde neighborhood. The troops are working together to fight against Al-Shabaab, we are still collecting the information of the extent of casualties, Kenyan soldiers, some Somali soldiers and civilians were among the dead in the attack on Friday," Abbas told Xinhua.

The insurgents have claimed to have killed 100 Kenyan soldiers and captured 12 others in the pre-dawn attack which has been described as the most daring incident since KDF launched cross border incursion in 2011.

Two of the alleged soldiers spoke to Al-Shabaab's Radio Andolus and demanded Kenyan government and AU to facilitate their release.

Abdi Mohamud Abdulle, El-Adde resident said there is a humanitarian crisis in the area as the displaced people lack food and water.

"All the residents in El-Adde were evacuated after the attack, I was the last one who remained and I left the place from this morning. I prayed alone in the biggest mosque in the area, people are dying of thirst and hunger. We had a drought in the region, but the attack worsened the situation," Mohammed said. Endit