Tuesday October 2, 2018
A soldier patrols the road as the damage is assesed after Islamist group, Al-Shabaab hit a European Union armoured convoy in Mogadishu, Somalia, October 1 2018. REUTERS/Feisal Omar
MOGADISHU (HOL) - The European Union (EU) has pledged that the trade bloc will remain committed to supporting the Somali people and government in rebuilding their country in spite of Monday's attack on its convoy in the Somali capital.
Three people said to be civilians were killed on Monday after a car laden with explosives hit an armoured vehicle belonging to Italian military soldiers working under the framework of EUTM.
The attack which becomes first of its kind to target an EU convoy was claimed by Al-Shabaab militants.
In a statement, Ms Maja Kocijančič, European Commission’s spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said no Italian soldiers were injured in the bomb blast in Mogadishu.
"A convoy of the EU Training Mission in Somalia was hit in Mogadishu. No personnel of EUTM (European Union Training Mission in Somalia) were injured," Ms. Kocijančič said in the statement.
Ms Kocijančič reiterated that EU will continue the operation of its training mission in Somalia.
This attack will not deter the EU's commitment to support the Somali authorities and people in their efforts to build a more stable and prosperous future
The spokesperson condoled with the families of the victims killed in the attack.
"We express our condolences to the families of those affected at this difficult time," she mourned.
The spokesperson said EU stand close to EUTM staff working for peace and security in Somalia.
EU launched its mission to offer military advice and training in 2010.