Mogadishu – At around 5 am May 27, 2023, ATMIS Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Buulo Mareer, approximately 120 km southwest of Mogadishu in the Lower Shabelle region was attacked by Al-Shabaab militants using Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) and suicide bombers.
Fighting between the terrorists and ATMIS soldiers ensued. Reinforcements from ATMIS’ Aviation Unit and allies managed to destroy weapons in possession of the withdrawing Al-Shabaab militants.
ATMIS would like to assure the public and all other entities in the country that everything is being done to bring the situation under control.
The mission remains committed to its fight against terrorism and will continue working closely with the Federal Government of Somalia, the Federal Member States, and other international partners in securing Somalia against Al-Shabaab and other armed groups.
The U.S. Department of State’s Press Release to the Media Condemn the Attack
”The United States strongly condemns today’s attack by Al-Shabaab in Buulo Mareer on the Ugandan peacekeeping forces deployed to the African Union Transition Mission (ATMIS) in Somalia. We express our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and friends and wish a full recovery to those injured. The United States commends the bravery and sacrifice of the troops participating in this important mission. We stand with our Somali and African Union partners in the fight to defeat terrorism and to advance peace and stability for the Somali people”.
