The security situation is currently being assessed by Uganda’s military and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) following a successful attack by Somali insurgents on a UPDF base in Somalia.
The attack, which occurred during a dawn raid, has left the number of casualties unclear. The targeted military base is located in Bulo Marer, approximately 110km from Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. ATMIS has confirmed the attack on its base and is currently evaluating the security situation. The UPDF has also issued a statement indicating their coordination with ATMIS to assess the situation.
Al-Shabaab, the East Africa affiliate of al-Qaeda, has claimed responsibility for the attack. They have declared that their fighters overran the base in Buula-Mareerl, capturing its defense post and seizing military vehicles and equipment. However, the veracity of these claims could not be independently verified, as al-Shabaab has a history of exaggerating its operations for propaganda purposes. Local media in Somalia reported that al-Shabaab was unable to capture the town following the attack, and the authorities have not confirmed the capture at this time.
This attack follows a pattern of similar incidents by al-Shabaab targeting bases of troop-contributing countries. Their modus operandi involves detonating explosives at the base’s perimeters or entrance, followed by armed fighters entering and engaging in combat. In 2015, al-Shabaab attacked a UPDF base in Janaale, resulting in the deaths of 19 soldiers.
Ugandan troops have been deployed in Somalia since 2007 as part of the African Union mandate to maintain peace. They have achieved significant successes, driving al-Shabaab out of the capital and other major towns. However, the weakened militant group has resorted to using improvised explosive devices against both the civilian population and peacekeeping forces.
The recent attack occurs as the peacekeeping mission approaches its conclusion, with the troop-contributing countries in the process of transitioning operations to the Somalia National Army. Last week, Uganda trained hundreds of Somali Special Forces in preparation for this transition.
It’s worth noting that some returning Ugandan peacekeepers have raised concerns about unpaid allowances, with soldiers from previous battle groups claiming to have gone months without payment. Budgetary cuts from entities such as the European Union have contributed to a reduction in the monthly payment for peacekeepers from $1,028 to $460. However, there have been instances where soldiers have allegedly gone several months without receiving their stipend.
