Soldiers under the African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia have repelled an attack by al-Shabaab militants in Buurane village, Mahaday district of Hirshabelle State, APA learnt on Wednesday.
According to a statement from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) its troops were clearing a landing area for a helicopter when they came under attack from the militants on Sunday.
”The brave soldiers responded effectively repelling the attackers and eliminating one militant” claimed the statement.
“The cowardly act of using roadside bombs will not deter our resolve to ensure Somalia achieves long lasting peace its people have been yearning for,” said the Acting Head of AUSSOM, Sivuyile Bam.
“We will continue supporting the Federal Government and Somali Security Forces in their operations against al-Shabaab and other illegal armed groups.”
Mr. Bam commended the AUSSOM Burundian troops for their swift response in repulsing the militants and minimising casualties.
Several AUSSOM soldiers were wounded in the attack but are said to be recovering.
Although a series of offensives by a coalition of AUSSOM and Somali national army backed by US airstrikes have degraded the potency of the militants and forced their retreat from some of their strongholds, the group still retains a capacity to launch attacks on targets in Mogadishu and other parts of Somalia.
WN/as/APA