AU Chairperson Condemns Attempted attack against AMISOM in Somalia

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Release)

AMISOM PR/024/2016

AU Chairperson Condemns Attempted attack against AMISOM in Somalia

Addis Ababa, 9 June 2016: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, condemns in the strongest terms the failed attack carried out by terrorists’ elements in Halgan in the Hiiran region of Somalia, on 9 June 2016.

The militants were repulsed by AMISOM and the Somali National Army (SNA) troops on the ground and suffered heavy casualties. Hundreds of Al Shabaab fighters were captured during the clashes. AMISOM and SNA forces also captured and destroyed a significant amount of the weapons used by the terrorist group. The Chairperson commends the fast response and gallantry exhibited by the Ethiopian contingent of AMISOM and the Somali forces.

Attacks such as this further demonstrate the despicable nature of Al Shabaab, whose sole purpose is to spread terror and continue the destabilization of Somalia. Our resolve can only be rejuvenated, to fight on until Somalia is freed of all elements of terror. She further stresses that the failed attack demonstrated AMISOM’s capability to respond effectively against this terrorist threat.

The Chairperson condoles with the families of the fallen soldiers, commiserates with the injured and wishes them quick recovery. The Chairperson reaffirms the commitment of the AU to continue to support the Somali Government and people in their effort to achieve sustainable peace.

__________________________________
For more information
Lt Col Joe Kibet – Force Spokesperson, Gaffel Nkolokosa – Public Information Officer,
Email: amisommediacentre@africa-union.org or amisommediacentre@gmail.com
Cell phone: (Somalia) +252 699 563 476 / +252 617 682 175 / +252 699 240 948;
(Nairobi) +254 728 701 222 / +254 700 333 415