Hiiraan Online
Monday September 30, 2019
MOGADISHU (HOL) - No soldier was harmed during an attack by Al-Shabaab militants on Balidogle base, the U.S embassy in Mogadishu has said.
The U.S ambassador Donald Yamamoto condemned the attack but noted the militants were repelled by Somali forces in the base.
“The United States condemns the attacks today in Baledogle and Mogadishu. We commend the Somali security forces who repelled the attack against the Somali National Army (SNA) Base in Baledogle, Lower Shabelle region,” a statement from the embassy read in part.
Ambassador Yamamoto said the security forces were able to stop the attackers and fended off their attempts to breach the outer perimeters of the base.
“We are thankful that there were no SNA causalities between the multiple attacks,” he said.
Al-Shabaab militants launched an offensive at the base Monday morning using two trucks loaded with explosives but were repulsed by the forces.
The group which claimed responsibility said it killed 100 soldiers and damaged five drones.
This attack yet again demonstrates al-Shabaab violently opposes progress towards peace and prosperity in Somalia, ambassador Yamamoto added.