Somalia: African Union denies 30 soldiers killed in explosion

[Deeq A.]

MOGADISHU (Caasimada Online)—A UN-backed African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia known as ‘AMISOM’ has denied to have lost 30 soldiers in bomb explosion.

In a series tweets, AMISOM refuted reports 30 of its soldiers were killed in roadside bomb attack on its convoy near Baladweyne town, some 335km north of Somali capital Mogadishu.

The mission said four Ethiopian soldiers with African Union peacekeeping force were only slightly injured in bomb explosion claimed by Al Qaeda linked Al-Shabaab.

“AMISOM would like to refute reports appearing in the section of the press that 30 of its soldiers were killed in the IED attack that targeted its convoy in Hiran region”, the mission said.

It added: “the correct position is that only four of its soldiers incurred slight injuries and were treated at Beledweyne Level II Hospital”.

The African Union in Somalia urges the public to be wary of false reports and continue working closely with the security forces to bring lasting peace and security in the nation.

The bomb attack was claimed by Al Shabaab. The group says it has killed at least 30 African Union soldiers following the landmine explosion.

The group has been driven out of many urban areas since 2011, however it still controls territory in rural areas and carries out gun attacks and bombings on military and civilian targets.

The African Union has a combined contribution of roughly 22,000 personnel to fight against the Al-Qaeda inspired group in Somalia.

Caasimada Online

Mogadishu News Desk

Caasimada@live.com