UNITED NATIONS, Sep 1 – The United Nations Security Council on Tuesday condemned "in the strongest terms" a mortar attack against an African Union base in Somalia that killed four Ugandan peacekeepers.
"The members of the Security Council reiterated their condemnation of all acts of violence and incitement to violence against civilians, Amisom (AU force in Somalia) and the Transitional Federal Government," the council said in statement.
The council also "strongly condemned the recent increased fighting in Somalia," offered their support to the country\’s government and its efforts to "achieve peace, security and reconciliation."
African Union (AU) troops are stationed in the country to protect the embattled government, which the Islamist Shebab rebels are fighting to overthrow.
They have been locked in heavy clashes since last week with the radical group, which has intensified their attacks.
The AU troops, numbering some 6,000 Ugandan and Burundian soldiers, are considered the only hurdle between the Al Qaeda-inspired Shebab and a total takeover of the conflict-torn Somali capital.
Recent battles have seen the militant group advance to Mogadishu districts under the control of the AU-protected government, prompting Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed to appeal Monday for international assistance.
More than 80 people have been killed in intense clashes in Mogadishu over the past week.
UNITED NATIONS
About The Author
