An attack orchestrated by the al-Qaida-linked militant group al-Shabab has resulted in the tragic deaths of three Emirati troops and a Bahraini military officer during a training mission at a military base in the Somali capital, authorities confirmed on Sunday.
The assault, which occurred on Saturday, specifically targeted the troops stationed at the General Gordon Military Base in Mogadishu. Although details surrounding the attack and its potential casualties remain scarce as of Sunday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud extended his condolences to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the loss of its troops.
UAE, Baharain confirm the death
The UAE’s Ministry of Defence confirming the deaths of three of its troops and the Bahraini officer released a statement, in what it described as a “terrorist act.” The attack also left the two injured.
In a statement issued, the Ministry prayed to ‘Allah Almighty’ to have mercy on the martyrs, and extended its deepest condolences to their families, wishing for a full and swift recovery for those injured.
The Ministry further added that the United Arab Emirates continues to coordinate and cooperate with the Somali government in investigating the heinous terrorist act.
The Bahraini military, acknowledging the death of its officer, also released a statement on Instagram offering condolences to the family of the deceased.
Al-Shabab claims responsibility of the attack
Al-Shabab, in an online statement, claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting that it targeted multiple individuals involved in the Emirati military mission. The militant group, known for its allegiance to Islamic Shariah law, denounced the UAE’s support for the Somali government’s efforts to combat al-Shabab, branding the UAE as an “enemy.”
