Wednesday April 9, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) – The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) has strongly condemned an attack by Al-Shabaab militants on its troops in Buurane village, located in the Mahaday district of Hirshabelle State, on Sunday.
According to a statement from AUSSOM, the soldiers were clearing a helicopter landing zone when they came under sudden attack by the militant group. The AU troops, composed of Burundian peacekeepers, reportedly repelled the attackers and killed one militant.
"The cowardly act of using roadside bombs will not deter our resolve to ensure Somalia achieves long lasting peace its people have been yearning for," said the Acting Head of AUSSOM, Sivuyile Bam.
Bam commended the swift response by Burundian troops, which he said helped minimize casualties. However, AUSSOM did not disclose the number of soldiers killed or wounded in the incident.
"We will continue supporting the Federal Government and Somali Security Forces in their operations against Al Shabaab and other illegal armed groups," Bam added, reaffirming AUSSOM's commitment to Somalia's stabilization.
The attack highlights the continued threat posed by Al-Shabaab, despite major offensives by the Somali government and international partners to reclaim territory and weaken the group's operational capabilities.
AUSSOM, which replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) earlier this year, continues to provide logistical, operational, and stabilization support to Somali security forces amid efforts to gradually transition full security responsibilities to the Somali government.