Over thirty Al-shabab fighters were killed and several others wounded in fierce fighting with AMISOM troops on Sunday in Lower Shabelle region, AU Mission said Monday.
Heavily armed Al-shabab fighters attacked AMISOM Forward Operating Bases at Quoroyole, Bulo-Marer and Golwen towns, prompting hours of deadly gun battle.
In a statement, AMISOM said its troops fought off and successfully repulsed the fighters who had launched simultaneous attacks on the AMISOM bases.
”The militants were dealt a heavy blow, with at least 30 of them put out of action, following intense fighting. Eight vehicles which ferried the terrorists, including two Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices were destroyed and an assortment of weapons recovered,” reads the statement in part.
The Mission confirmed the death of four of its soldiers and injuries of six others.
“We honor our brave soldiers, who are resolute in continuing to neutralize the insurgents in order to restore peace and stability in Somalia,” said the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia,Francisco Caetano Madeira in the statement.
The government of Uganda whose contingent was attacked has also confirmed the assault saying it lost four of its soldiers who were operating under the framework of AMISOM as six other were injured the simultaneous attacks.
Captain Deo Akiiki, the deputy army spokesperson said eight of the vehicles belonging to Al-shabab were destroyed.
He further noted that four AK Rifles , two Rocket Propelled Guns, two Recoilless Guns, a Walkie Talkie and 18 Sub Machine Gun Rifles were recovered.
Uganda Military also said 30 suspected Al-Shabaab fighters had been killed during the battle.
In a state posted on its affiliate Media, Al-shabab claimed to have killed 59 Ugandan soldiers and seized weapons.
Uganda was the first country to contribute troops to African Union Mission In Somalia (AMISOM).
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