Burundi National Defence Force has said Al Shabaab terrorists killed 10 of its soldiers under the AU Transitional Mission in Somalia on Monday.
According to the statement, the terrorists launched the attack at around 5am at the the El-Baraf position in Middle Shabele region, south west of Mogadishu, occupied by Burundian soldiers.
“This attack was executed using car bombs, suicide bombers and heavily armed men. A fight took place causing damage on both sides. The Burundian contingent deplores that 10 soldiers were killed, five are missing and 25 injured. 20 Al Shabaab terrorists were killed,” the statement added.
Earlier, Al Shabaab took responsibility of the attack, claiming it had killed almost 200 soldiers. Burundi is the largest troops contributor with at least 5,000 troops after its 2019 drawback.
A senior Burundi|n military officer had told AFT that 30 soldiers were killed, 22 wounded and a dozen missing, while local sites claimed 173 casualties.
We condemn al-Shabaab's attack on an @ATMIS_Somalia base held by #Burundian soldiers. We extend our condolences to the families of the troops killed and wish a quick recovery to those injured. We stand with ATMIS and #Somalia's security forces as we partner to achieve peace.
— U.S. Embassy Mogadishu, Somalia (@US2SOMALIA) May 4, 2022
Somalia government, the AU, Igad and the UN have condemned the attack.
IGAD Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu said they are confident the attacks will neither deter nor alter its determination and international partners to support the people of Somalia in their search for lasting peace and stability.
Burundi Defence Forces said it is clear the objective pursued by Al Shabaab is to hinder the efforts deployed by ATMIS to bring peace throughout Somalia.
“Despite the will displayed by this terrorist group Al Shabaab to sabotage the efforts deployed, the Burundian contingent remains determined to make its contribution to restore a lasting peace and stability in Somalia,” it said.
The FDNB asked the military to remain vigilant and to redouble their efforts to thwart any enemy manoeuvre.
Al Shabaab claims to have killed nearly 200 Burundian soldiers in Somalia
