The militant group claims that 137 soldiers were killed in the attack, while several others were captured alive. The attack began with multiple massive explosions leading to a fierce confrontation between Ugandan troops of the African Union Transition Mission (ATMIS) and the al-Shabaab attackers in the dawn hours of Friday.

According to President Museveni, approximately 800 terrorists launched the assault on the base of Ugandan soldiers belonging to the African Union Transition Mission (ATMIS) in the town of Buulo Mareer, situated approximately 110km (68 miles) south of the capital, Mogadishu.

The president described the incident as unfortunate, emphasizing the successful operations of the Ugandan forces since 2007. He stated, “In the area of Bulo-Mareer, there was an FOB (Forward Operational Base) manned by a company of UPDF soldiers. Those defenses are quite strong, although they are guarded by light weapons. There were two tanks, two 14.5mm anti-aircraft guns, and a 107mm Katyusha rocket launcher. Some of the soldiers there did not perform as expected and panicked, which disorganized them, and the Al-Shabaab took advantage of that to overrun the base and destroy some of the equipment.”

Museveni highlighted that many of the Ugandan soldiers withdrew to the next base, located nine kilometers away, providing an opportunity for al-Shabaab suicide bombers to infiltrate the base.

Ugandans and Bazzukulu.

Greetings. Things are moving well on a number of fronts. I have concluded a tour on wealth creation issues in the Masaka zone.Masaka zone is doing well with coffee, bananas, palm oil and the dairy industry.

However, in the night of Thursday, at the 11th…

— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) May 27, 2023

He further stated, “The terrorists were many, about 800 or so according to the UAVs [Unmanned Aerial Vehicles]. Hence, it was a missed opportunity to annihilate them. The operations are continuing, and they will regret their actions.”

Board of inquiry (BOI) to investigate

The Ugandan leader expressed his condolences to the country and the families of the deceased soldiers.

President Museveni announced the establishment of a board of inquiry (BOI) to investigate the incident thoroughly, including the details of the casualties.

He emphasized that this unfortunate event should serve as a reminder that operations in Somalia and other similar contexts are combat missions and not welfare missions, where access to UN allowances is possible. This remark referred to the higher pay received by ATMIS soldiers deployed in Somalia compared to the Somali security forces.

“It is criminal for anybody involved to send soldiers into such a theater who are either not suited for that mission or not properly prepared for it. Details will come out after the BOI has finished its work,” added President Museveni.

In a statement released on Friday, the al-Qaeda-affiliated group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for overrunning the Ugandan army base in Buulo Mareer. They stated that they seized weapons, ammunition, and military equipment.

The post Uganda initiates inquiry after deadly al-Shabaab raid on Buulo Mareer army base appeared first on Kaab TV.

The militant group launched the attack by using vehicles loaded with explosives, followed by armed militants storming two army bases occupied by the African Union forces (ATMIS) and the Somali National Army (SNA).

It began with multiple massive explosions leading to a fierce confrontation between Ugandan troops of the African Union Transition Mission (ATMIS) and the al-Shabaab attackers in the dawn hours of Friday.

Residents said they were waken up by the sound of gunfire and explosions as the battle ensued for hours.

The exact number of casualties is unknown at this time.

Eyewitnesses told Kaab TV that al-Shabaab fighters were seen patrolling the streets of Bulo Mareer during mid-morning, while frightened residents fled the agricultural-rich town to seek safety in nearby locations. One resident named Abukar Hussein reported witnessing the militant group looting the military bases.

Social media reports have indicated that Al-Shabaab has captured Ugandan soldiers alive. However, local authorities and army officers have not provided any official comments.

ATMIS, in a statement, acknowledged the assault, stating, “This morning, #ATMIS FOB in Bulo Mareer came under Al-Shabab attack. ATMIS forces are currently assessing the security situation. More information will be issued later.”

On the other hand, Al-Shabaab, in their statement, claimed to have seized the camp and allegedly killed dozens of ATMIS soldiers. However, there is currently no independent verification of the group’s claim.

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