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Devastating Attack on Ugandan Peacekeepers in Somalia: President Museveni Confirms Casualties

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Mahnoor Jehangir
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Attack on Ugandan Peacekeepers

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Image Credit: Reuters

President Museveni's Statement and Condolences

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Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni confirmed on Sunday the occurrence of casualties during an attack by Somalia's Islamist group al Shabaab on a military base manned by Ugandan peacekeepers. This admission marks the first official acknowledgment of losses among the Ugandan troops serving in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). While the president did not disclose the exact number of soldiers killed or wounded, he expressed his condolences to the country and the families affected by the tragedy. Additionally, President Museveni revealed that a panel would be established to investigate the events surrounding the attack.

Al Shabaab's Ambush and the Aftermath

Al Shabaab, a militant organization with the objective of overthrowing Somalia's Western-backed government, has been engaged in a prolonged conflict since 2006. The group seeks to establish its own rule, adhering strictly to an interpretation of Islamic law. President Museveni disclosed that during the attack, some of the soldiers did not perform as expected, leading to panic and disorganization within their ranks. Exploiting this opportunity, al Shabaab managed to overrun the base and inflict damage on equipment. The assailants, numbering approximately 800, forced the Ugandan troops to withdraw to a nearby base, located approximately nine kilometers away from the original site.

Inadequate information regarding the exact number of casualties has been a challenge. Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack and stated that they had executed suicide bombings, resulting in the deaths of 137 soldiers at the base. However, there has been no official confirmation of these figures, as al Shabaab often provides casualty counts that differ from official reports. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has yet to release details regarding the extent of the losses suffered by the peacekeeping forces.

The peacekeeping mission, established in 2007, aims to support and defend Somalia's central government against the Islamist insurgency. Despite the difficult circumstances faced by the Ugandan troops, ATMIS remains committed to its mission of contributing to stability and security in Somalia. Efforts to enhance peacekeeping operations and prevent further attacks are ongoing, as the international community continues to stand against the threat posed by al Shabaab and other extremist groups.

UgandanTroops Condolences PeacekeepingMission PresidentMuseveni AlShabaabAttack
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