Following this week’s deadly attack on African Union (AU) troops in Somalia by al-Shabab militants, the continental body has offered its “heartfelt condolences” to the families of the dead.
Its statement did not confirm how many soldiers were killed. The militants had said that more than 170 AU soldiers had died – mostly Burundian nationals – but this number has not been independently verified.
The AU mission in Somalia (Atmis) has however confirmed that the base in the Middle Shabelle region was staffed by Burundian peacekeepers, and its spokesman offered his condolences to the government and people of Burundi.
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Spokesman Stephane Dujarric wished a “speedy recovery to the injured” – without specifying how many or who they were, and called for the “the international community to provide all necessary support to Atmis and to the Somali security forces in their fight against Al-Shabab”.
The Burundian army has said 10 of its soldiers died and another five were missing.
SOURCE: BBCNEWS
