Somali Islamist militants ambushed African Union peacekeeping troops in Southern Somalia on Sunday, Horseed Media reports.
In the first attack, the militants ambushed a convoy carrying Burundian AU troops in an area close to Yaqbari-weyne of Lower Shabelle region, local residents told the media.
In the meantime, a spokesman for al-Shabaab claimed that heavy casualties were incurred to the AU troops during the attack.
The second ambush took place in Lower Jubba region close to the Somalia-Kenya border where Kenyan AU troop’s military convoy were attacked by the militants. According to local reports, at least 5 KDF forces died in the attack.
Later on, the African Union mission in Somalia confirmed that three of its soldiers died in the Lower Shabelle attack.
”The cowardly ambush on the troops took place this afternoon between Lego and Balidogle. Our gallant soldiers put up a spirited fight during which three of them lost their lives, while others sustained injuries,” AMISOM said in a press statement.
African Union has over 20,000 troops in Somalia to help the weak government battle al-Shabab.
The al-Qaeda-linked extremists remain dangerous, unpredictable and bold, known for audacious and chilling attacks. Their fighters routinely target the Somali government in Mogadishu. The group has also sought to terrorize neighboring Kenya.
Horseed Media
Al Shabaab ambush AU convoy in Somalia
Published: April 19, 2015