Somalia’s rebel militant group al-Shabaab has warned British government of ‘bad consequences’ if it dispatches its defense forces to ensure security and stability in the war-ravaged country.
Ali Mohamed Dhere, the spokesman of the group vowed to fight against the troops if they are deployed and will be ‘’beheaded’’ on the roads.
‘’We will fight against them [British troops] fearlessly and slaughter their dead bodies on highways and it will be broadcasted to the public.
Last week, British Prime Minister David Cameron announced that up to 300 soldiers would join the U.N. peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, while another 70 British troops will be deployed to work with a U.N. force supporting the African Union’s mission in Somalia.
UK’s ambassador to Somalia Harriet Mathews explained this week the role of the troops to be deployed.
‘’Through the deployment of UK military logistical, engineering and training expertise, we anticipate that UK personnel will provide essential core support and advice to the UN Support Office to AMISOM (UNSOA), which provides essential support to AMISOM and Somali National Army troops.’’
African Union troops pushed al-Shabab out of Mogadishu in August 2011, ending more than four years of control of the capital by the fighters. The Ugandan and Burundian troops that make up the bulk of the African Union force in Mogadishu have slowly been taking control of towns outside of Mogadishu.
Ever since losing key towns in Southern and Central Somalia, the group has staged guerrilla attacks and suicide missions in the capital, Mogadishu killing civilians and government officials.
Horseed Media
Somalia: Al Shabaab warns Britain against troop deployment
Published: October 7, 2015
