NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 11 — Somalia has condemned Saturday’s attack at a military base in Somalia that claimed the lives of four soldiers, including three officers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The incident happened when a trainee soldier said to be an Al-Shabaab defector opened fire in the UAE-run Gordon military base, leading to the deaths. Two other officers sustained injuries.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud labeled the attack a “heinous terrorist operation.”
He commended the courage and sacrifice of the fallen soldiers and their contribution to Somalia’s fight against terrorism and the rebuilding of its military.
“We affirm our thanks and gratitude to the Emirati people, their government, and their wise leadership for their permanent support for the Republic of Somalia and their contribution to its stability and security,” Mohamud said.
Earlier, Abu Dhabi said that at the time of their deaths, the fallen soldiers were engaged in the training of the Somali Armed Forces, which falls under the framework of military cooperation with the UAE.
While condoling with the families of the deceased, UAE said it is coordinating with Mogadishu to investigate the act, which it labeled a terrorist incident.
“The Ministry of Defense extends its sincere condolences to the families of the martyrs, asking God Almighty to bestow His mercy on them, and also expresses its wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured,” UAE’s MoD said.
The incident comes at a time when Somali forces and allied troops have intensified their offensive on the Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist outfit that has continued to wreak havoc in the East African nation and its neighbours.
