The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) base in Mogadishu’s Halane camp came under mortar fire Sunday morning, resulting in multiple casualties among foreign personnel, officials confirmed.
Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) and Head of ATMIS, condemned what he termed a “heinous attack” on the facility.
“This barbaric attack will not deter us and the Somali Security Forces from pursuing lasting peace and security in Somalia,” Ambassador Souef stated. “We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to combat terrorism and build a peaceful and prosperous Somalia.”
Initial reports from local media outlet Horseed Media indicated three people were injured in the attack, with some of the wounded – identified as foreign contractors – later succumbing to their injuries. The exact death toll has not been officially confirmed.
ATMIS senior leadership visited the impact sites following the attack, which al-Shabaab militants claimed responsibility for. Security sources believe the mortars were launched from within Mogadishu.
While the Somali government has yet to issue a statement on the incident, ATMIS expressed “deepest sympathies and condolences” to the families of those who lost their lives and wished a quick recovery to the injured.
The attack marks a significant security breach in the heavily fortified Halane Base Camp, which houses numerous diplomatic missions and international organizations operating in Somalia.
HORSEED MEDIA
