SNA, ATMIS forces kill several militants involved in an attack on UPDF base at Buulo Mareer

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Somali National Army in a joint operation with ATMIS forces have conducted an operation against the Al-Shabaab militants who were involved in the attack at a Forward Operating Base (FOB) manned by the Ugandan Army in Bulo Mareer.

ATMIS, through is twitter account said a number of the militants were killed in the joint operation and that multiple weapons were also retrieved.

“ATMIS and SNA forces successfully pursued fleeing Al-Shabaab terrorists involved in the ATMIS FOB attack in Buulo Mareer. A substantial number of the terrorists have been eliminated. The Joint force also retrieved multiple weapons looted from the FOB. ATMIS remains committed to fighting terrorism and will continue working closely with the Federal Government of Somalia, Federal Member States and international partners to secure Somalia.”

Al-Shabaab militants early Friday attacked and overran the base killing an unconfirmed number of UPDF soldiers and taking others hostage.

Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni blamed “panicking” commanders and failure in technological and human intelligence for the attack vowing to step up the fight against the militants.

The Federal Government of Somalia condemned the attack saying the attack will not deter the Somali National Army’s resolve to continue its war against the militants and completely push them out of the country so that the people of Somalia can enjoy lasting peace and stability.

“The Federal Government of Somalia appreciates the efforts of all its partners and the unity showcased during this incident and this culture of cooperation and coordination between all stakeholders will definitely yield the desired end state which is Somalia free from the scourge of terrorism’’ the statement reads in part.