MOGADISHU, Somalia – An overnight attack by Al Shabaab militants on the ATMIS African Union military base in the Buulo Mareer district in the Lower Shabelle region was successfully repelled, says a spokesman.
Lt Col Mwachinalo, the spokesperson of the African Union forces in AMISOM, who spoke to HOL, said that they foiled the attack, adding that there were no casualties.
“Last night in Bulomareer area around 21:00 pm, suspected Al-Shabaab fighters attacked the base using small arms. The ATMIS forces responded to the attack, said the spokesman.
In May 2023, Al-Shabaab launched an attack on the same ATMIS base, resulting in the loss of 57 Ugandan soldiers, one of the deadliest attacks on AU bases in Somalia since their arrival in 2007.
Uganda dismissed two UPDF officers for cowardice and lack of action during the Bulomareer base attack, where the troops were not encouraged to fight back the Al-Shabaab attack.
Uganda has thousands of troops in Somalia. The UPDF forces are operating in the capital, Mogadishu, and the Lower Shabelle region. They also provide protection to the top leaders.
