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African Union, US address Al Shabaab attack on El Baraf

ADDIS ABABA (SD) – The 1081st meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) discussed a recent Attack by Al Shabaab on an ATMIS base in El Baraf, Middle Shabelle region.

After hearing details of it, the council strongly condemned the attack on the Burundian troops at ATMIS, Section 5, and stated that the attack would not slow down the efforts and operations of ATMIS.

“Council strongly condemned the barbaric and cowardly attack against the Burundian contingent of ATMIS, in Sector 5, by the Al Shabaab terrorist group and warned the terrorist group that this attack will not lessen the commitment and the operations of ATMIS.” the PSC said in an statement.

The Council underlined the importance of maintaining the gains made so far in Somalia, as well as intensifying the fight against Al Shabaab by enhancing the capacity of ATMIS.

The United States has also addressed the May 3 attack by al-Shabaab on a Burundian military base in El-Baraf, Middle Shabelle region, which resulted in heavy casualties.

State Department spokesman Ned Price has sent a message of condolences to the Burundian army, expressing its condolences over the loss of lives in the attack.

“The United States stands with Burundi in the face of al-Shabab’s May 3 attack on Burundian soldiers serving at the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) base in Ceel-Baraf, Somalia.  Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the fallen, wounded, and missing.” Ned Price said

A statement from State Department spokesman stated that the United States stands with ATMIS forces.

“Burundi’s courageous armed forces have for years held the line against transnational terrorism in Somalia.  The United States remains steadfast in support of ATMIS and against the scourge of terrorism.” the spokesman said.

Burundian government confirmed the death of 30 of their soldiers, however, Al-Shabaab claimed to have taken over the camp, killing 173 soldiers, posting a video showing the defeat of the Burundian army on the ground, the second.

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