MOGADISHU (Halbeeg News) – Turkish government has pledged to support Somalia’s fight against al-Shabaab barely hours after the group’s fighters stormed military bases manned by Somali forces in central Somalia.
In a statement, Turksih Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks against military bases in central Somalia’s Galgaduud region.
“We are deeply saddened to learn that many soldiers lost their lives and were injured in the terrorist attack that took place today against the military bases in the Galgaduud region of Somalia,” a statement released by the ministry said Friday.
Heavily armed fighters have stormed military bases in Galcad district. Galcad was recaptured by Somali forces mid this week after al-Shabaab vacated the town without resistance.
The attacks were claimed responsibility by al-Shabaab which claimed to have killed more than 150 soldiers, a figure dismissed by Somali government officials.
Among those killed in the attacks is the deputy commander of the Danab commando force, Major Hassan Mohamed Osman (Hasan Tuure).
Some of the wounded soldiers are under treatment at the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Training and Research Hospital in the capital Mogadishu.
The Turkish ministry said the attack will not hinder the Somali National Army’s determination in its fight against the terrorist group.
“We wish Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives, extend our condolences to the relatives as well as to the friendly and brotherly people and the Government of Somalia, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.
“Türkiye will continue to stand by Somalia in its fight against terrorism,” it added.
Türkiye and the African Horn nation of Somalia have longstanding ties of friendship, security and development aid.
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